Teatro Alessandro Bonci

The Alessandro Bonci Theatre was built in 1846 on the site that once held the Spada Theatre in Cesena, Italy. Designed by the architect Vincenzo Ghinelli, this theatre exhibits a Neo-classical facade that depicts seven figures from Greek mythology surrounding Cesena’s emblematic coat of arms.

Inside, the five-level auditorium seats approximately 800 spectators which overlook one of the largest stages in all of Europe. Many relics from the Spada Theatre can still be found in Alessandro Bonci, including the original stage sets, a decorative curtain painted by the local artist Antonio Pio and carefully preserved drums and sound machines.

The theater takes its name from the famed tenor and Cesena native Alessandro Bonci. Bonci was a humble shoemaker’s apprentice before studying music and eventually going on to sing at numerous top theaters, including New York’s “Metropolitan Opera”, Milan’s “La Scala” and London’s “Royal Opera House”.

There have been many restorative projects throughout the 20th century, with the most recent renovations starting in the 1990s. Various internal and external decorations have been restored in addition to general improvements and regulatory adjustments. Each restoration has respected the original project, preserving the integrity of the original design and allowing it to live on in the 21st century.

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