Description of the attraction
In the historic center of Avignon, on the Place des Hours, next to the city hall, there is an opera house built in the 19th century. It is known that the first theatrical performances in Avignon were already given in the second half of the 14th century, and the opera itself was built in 1846 on the site of a comedy theater that burned down about twenty years ago.
During the construction of the opera building, the Italian style was chosen, which is characterized by splendor and an abundance of various decorative elements. So on the facade of this building you can see a bas-relief with images of King Rene the Good, also known as a poet and patron of the arts, and the Italian poet Petrarch. To the left and to the right of the main entrance to the theater, there are statues of two French playwrights, the "fathers" of comedy and tragedy - Jean-Baptiste Moliere and Pierre Corneille. By the way, Moliere's plays were staged at the comedy theater, in the place of which an opera was erected. In addition, the opera building is also decorated with other sculptures, floral ornaments and columns.
Performances at the Avignon Opera House take place throughout the year. In addition to classical opera performances, they also show performances, choreographic performances, give concerts, hold exhibitions and even arrange events for children and young people. The performances staged at the Avignon Opera feature the stars of French cinema and theater - if you're lucky, you can see a performance with Alain Delon's participation.
The opera house is becoming one of the stage venues for the Avignon Theater Festival, which has been held since 1947 and brings together the most interesting troupes in Europe in this city, which present their premieres here. The festival takes place annually during July, and the city squares also become the scene of action.
