La Fenice ("The Phoenix") has burned down twice (1836, 1996) and risen from the ashes both times. The name was always prophetic.
Plan this experience →The venue: 1,000 seats. 5 tiers of boxes. Rebuilt identically after the 1996 arson (the electrician who burned it was convicted). The interior is cream, gold, and pale blue — Venetian rococo at its most delicate. Season: year-round. Opera Sep–Jun. Concerts and recitals fill the gaps. New Year’s Concert: the Dec 31 / Jan 1 concerts are broadcast nationally — the Venetian equivalent of Vienna’s Neujahrskonzert. Tickets: teatrolafenice.it. Opera: €30–220. Concerts: €20–80. Guided tour: €11, daily 9:30am–6pm (audioguide included). Getting there: Campo San Fantin, near Piazza San Marco. Vaporetto to Santa Maria del Giglio or San Marco.