La Scala

Don’t judge a book by its cover, that saying couldn’t be truer here. Yes, you might feel a twinge of disappointment. You’ve been told you’re about to see the most important Italian-style opera house in the world, and yet La Scala’s façade doesn’t quite match the grandeur you imagined.

But make no mistake, this is indeed the most famous opera house on the planet, the model on which countless others were based. It was commissioned by Maria Theresa of Austria after a fire, on the night of Carnival, destroyed Milan’s previous theatre. To make room for it, the church of Santa Maria alla Scala was demolished, though its name was preserved. B

uilt in less than two years, La Scala was inaugurated by Archduke Ferdinand of Austria on August 3, 1778. At the time, gambling was banned everywhere except in opera houses, so it might surprise you to know that La Scala also served as a casino for many years. Modest and understated on the outside, the opera house’s interior has hosted the greatest talents in the world and witnessed the entire evolution of Italian opera.

Many of the nation’s most important works premiered here, with Verdi unveiling several of his masterpieces on this very stage. La Scala has also been a landmark for dance, with the world’s top ballet stars performing here, along with legendary sopranos, conductors, and musicians. Arturo Toscanini, one of the most celebrated conductors of all time, held the post here until 1929, when he was forced to leave Italy due to his opposition to fascism.

Bombed in 1943, La Scala has undergone multiple restorations since. Today, the world’s most celebrated opera house is ready to reveal its secrets. Its museum is packed with treasures, and its permanent collection is regularly enhanced by fascinating temporary exhibitions.

Entry is ticketed and includes a view of the auditorium from the boxes, provided there’s no performance underway. But if you really want the full experience, and you have the time, nothing beats seeing a show here.