Although smaller and less famous than the Teatro la Fenice, the Teatro Goldoni in Venice has its own history. Few people know that this theatre, a few steps from San Marco, is the fourth oldest in the city.
History of the Goldoni Theatre
Built in 1622 by the Vendramin family, the theatre only hosted comedies for its first thirty years. Carlo Goldoni made his first appearance here in 1734, and in 1753 the Vendramin managed to secure a contract that allowed the playwright to produce his most famous works, such as Baruffe Chiozzotte and Sior Todaro Brontolon.
The revival of the Goldoni Theatre
In 1817 the theatre reopened, and when Teatro La Fenice was destroyed by fire in 1836, performances moved to what was then called Teatro Apollo. In 1875 it was renamed Teatro Goldoni, in honour of the Venetian playwright.
Curiosities about the Goldoni Theatre
This theatre was the first in Italy to have gas lighting and complete illumination of the auditorium, an innovation introduced in 1844.
