Olympic Theatre

Vicenza, Italy

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

Phone: +39 0444 222800

From OpenStreetMap — confirm before travelling

Find out more

The Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza is a Renaissance theatre constructed between 1580 and 1585 as the final design of architect Andrea Palladio, completed after his death. The building houses a remarkable stage set of trompe-l'œil scenery, designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi and installed in 1585 for the theatre's inaugural performance; this illusionistic backdrop, depicting long streets receding into the distance, remains the oldest surviving stage set in existence. The scaenae frons—a Roman-style back screen spanning the full width of the stage—is crafted from wood and stucco in imitation of marble. Originally the home of the Accademia Olimpica, founded at the site in 1555, the theatre is one of only three Renaissance theatres still standing, alongside the Teatro all'antica in Sabbioneta and the Teatro Farnese in Parma, both influenced by its design. The building continues to host performances several times annually and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing the City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto since 1994.