Description of the attraction
Teatro Liceu in Barcelona is one of the largest theaters in Europe, the second largest theater after the Italian La Scala. Liceu has nearly 2,300 beds. The theater, located on the famous La Rambla, was once erected on the site of a former monastery. The construction of the theater began in 1845, and already in April 1847 its hall gathered the audience for the first time for a performance.
The theater building looks rather modest from the outside, but strikes with its splendor and luxury from the inside. The interior of the theater is made in the Baroque style, there are many decorative elements and interior decoration made of marble, bronze, gilding, the interior is replete with mirrors, crystal and rich fabrics.
The Liceu Theater is one of the few theaters that boasts outstanding artists who have performed on its stage. Famous Montserrat Caballe, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, Alfredo Kraus, Fedor Chaliapin, Maxim Mikhailov and others sang here.
In the winter of 1994, a fire broke out in the theater building, which mercilessly destroyed it almost to the ground. The administration of the theater made a decision to restore it, in which people from all over Spain took part. Famous artists organized concerts, the proceeds from which went to the theater restoration fund. A large sum for the reconstruction of the building was allocated by the European Investment Bank.
The appearance of the main facade of the theater has been significantly changed. The craftsmen did their best to restore the theater interior as much as possible. It was possible to preserve the magnificent acoustics of the hall and the ornaments that adorn it, to restore many of the interior details. In addition, air conditioners were installed in the premises and a fire safety system was created. The hall was equipped with the latest technology, and now its stage is capable of transmitting the subtlest nuances of sounds and unusual effects.
The renovated Liceu Theater reopened to the public in 1999.
