Teatro Talia

Tagliacozzo's Teatro Talia developed from a Benedictine monastery suppressed in 1652 and converted into a theatre in 1686. Its classical facade survives successive fires and rebuildings, while the auditorium has been reconstructed for theatrical and musical use.

Why it matters

The theatre's history reflects several transformations of the same building. Its early wooden interior was followed by a fire in 1860 and municipal restoration; later, the historic boxes were dismantled and the hall was rebuilt.

What to notice

The facade has three portals, a base of false rustication, Corinthian pilasters linked by a blind balustrade, tall windows with oculi and a pediment decorated with theatrical objects. Inside, the auditorium's reinforced-concrete structure meets the older walls, recalling the theatre's more recent rebuilding.

Context and history

After Pope Innocent X suppressed the Benedictine monastery in 1652, the premises were converted into a theatre in 1686. A fire in 1860 affected a private apartment; the theatre was bought by the municipality and reopened in 1888. During the 20th century its wooden boxes were dismantled and film screenings replaced live performances for a period. The municipality later rebuilt the interior.