Teatro Francesco Paolo Tosti

Ortona's Teatro Francesco Paolo Tosti was completed in 1930 as the Teatro Vittoria. Its neoclassical facade, Carrara-marble columns and bronze statues lead to a theatre built through the efforts of local citizens and engineer Tommaso Pincione.

Why it matters

The project began with a citizens' committee formed in 1910 to create a modern theatre for Ortona. After years of delays, Pincione undertook construction at his own expense. The municipality later acquired and restored the building, which was renamed for composer Francesco Paolo Tosti in 2008.

What to notice

The facade combines neoclassical forms with paired orders of Carrara-marble columns, bronze figures of Apollo and eagles. The building was engineered with deep foundations and extensive use of cement and iron. Its name recalls Tosti, who was honoured in a memorial evening during the theatre's first season.

Context and history

The first plans were prepared by engineer Giovanni Nervegna. Construction began in April 1929 under Tommaso Pincione, and the Teatro Vittoria was completed in February 1930 and inaugurated on 26 February. The opening season began with Verdi's Rigoletto; a memorial evening for Tosti followed on 4 March. The municipality later bought the building from private owners and restored it, reopening the theatre in January 2006. In 2008 it was renamed for the composer.