Hidden in plain sight, the world’s oldest indoor theater

VICENZA, Italy – When Valeria Cafà describes Teatro Olimpico, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s oldest indoor theater, she calls it a “hidden gem right in the heart of Vicenza.”

Cafà, Director of the Museums in Vicenza, is proud of architect Andrea Palladio’s last work of art – a theater finished shortly after his death in 1580 – that is one of Vicenza’s top tourist attractions.

“It represents the historical and architectural value of the city of Vicenza,” Cafà said.

Americans new to Vicenza often find themselves strolling downtown along the main thoroughfare, the Corso Palladio, named for the architect. At one end, near Piazza Matteotti, there is a high stone wall.

Almost hidden in plain sight, amongst the nearby palaces and villas, is an often unnoticed wrought iron sign above an archway. It reads “Teatro Olimpico.” And without a second glance, one might walk right past it.

While difficult for passersby to spot, visitors to Vicenza would regret not stopping to peer inside the gates into a placid courtyard where life seems to stop and the noises are muffled. Along the anonymous facade, vines climb gracefully behind statues showing signs of the time.

Nothing really prepares visitors for the incredible spectacle inside the theater. When Edward Rosario, a logistics management specialist at Logistics Readiness Center Italy, first went there in 2017 with the Army Community Service’s “Benvenuti” program for newcomers, he was impressed.

“The theater’s stunning design and intricate details left me absolutely amazed,” Rosario said. “I think everyone should visit it at least once while they are here.”

In 1579, the Accademia Olimpica tasked Palladio to create the theater. One of the most influential architects in history, Palladio designed nearly one hundred buildings between villas and palaces scattered throughout the Veneto region, Cafà said.

“When he passed away in August of 1580, his unfinished projects were picked up by architect Vincenzo Scamozzi, who carried on Palladio’s heritage and brought his visions to life,” Cafà said.

Scamozzi masterfully created a set design consisting of seven streets which, through forced perspective, appear to stretch into the distance, effectively giving the illusion of a three-dimensional scene. This technique, called trompe-l’œil, is more commonly used in paintings. Teatro Olimpico is an early example of it being used in architecture.

Jerry Brees, a longtime employee of U.S. Army Garrison Italy who serves as the director of the Soldiers’ Theatre on Caserma Ederle, said that having Teatro Olimpico so close to post is remarkable.

“Our Vicenza military community has the rare opportunity to not only visit a historic, architecturally unique building, but more importantly, the advantage of being able to attend and participate in classical music concerts, opera performances, jazz ensembles, dances, and theatre events that bring us together with our Italian neighbors and friends,” Brees said.

In 2023, Soldiers’ Theatre partnered with Teatro Olimpico for the premiere of Americans in Vicenza, a play based on a collection of short stories describing the 1955 arrival of the first Americans in Vicenza.

“The cultural exchange, the diversity, and partnership gave our community a unique opportunity to attend performances in both English and Italian,” Brees said.

Outside Teatro Olimpico, a visitor’s office can provide details for Americans stationed in Vicenza to see the theater and other city museums. More information can be found at: https://www.teatrolimpicovicenza.it/en/