Teatro Savoia

The Teatro Savoia has been a cultural landmark of Campobasso since its opening in 1926, with Liberty-style details and a richly decorated auditorium.

Why it matters

Built as Campobasso developed as the administrative centre of Molise, the theatre reflects the city's early twentieth-century civic ambitions. Its continued cultural role connects the historic building with the performing arts in the region.

What to notice

The wrought-iron Liberty facade leads to a horseshoe-shaped auditorium with four tiers of boxes. Frescoes by Arnaldo De Lisio depict Molise landscapes and local figures, while the ceiling fresco, Il Trionfo dei Sanniti, draws on regional history.

Context and history

The present theatre replaced the wooden Teatro Margherita, which had opened on the site in 1894. First called Teatro Sociale, the new building opened on 3 April 1926 with a performance of Puccini's Tosca. It was later restored and is managed by Fondazione Molise Cultura.