The Olimpico Theater in Vicenza

Time does not spare the wooden structures created by human hands. Unfortunately, the medieval theaters were built of wood, and to this day the descriptions have largely been preserved. It can be considered a real miracle that even today we can see the theater "Olimpico" in the Italian city of Vicenza. This theater, along with Farnese in Parma and Al-Antica in Sabbioneta, has been preserved since the Renaissance.

A few words about Vicenza

Before describing in detail about the theater "Olimpico" in Vicenza, a few words about the city itself. It was based, according to archaeological research, between the 7th and 11th centuries on a fertile plain, at the base of the Monti-Berichi Mountains. Located Vicenza, which houses 120,000 people, on both banks of a suitable river for navigation - Bakkilone.

The famous architect of the late Italian Renaissance glorified this city - Andrea Palladio. Theater "Olimpico" (Teatro Olimpico) is not his only creation: the central city square dei Signori and Villa Kara, the basilica of Palladio were decorated with Vicenza. His architectural traditions were continued by well-known natives of this city, masters of Scamozzi and Palladio.

Author of the project

Construct in the hometown of Vicenza permanent theater "Olympico" Palladio, the great Italian architect, conceived after his return in 1579. It is worth noting that Andrea Palladio is not his real name, but a creative pseudonym. Initially his name was Andrea di Pietro della Gondola, and his name was changed only at the age of 30 years. He was born in Padua in 1508 in the family of a mason. Work with his father, the boy began with 10 years, and at 13 he fled to the neighboring town of Vicenza. Here he began to learn from the master Bartolomeo Kavazz, while earning a living for himself as a stone carver. However, the current architect Palladio was already at a "respectable" age, since for a long time he studied the specialty and heritage of ancient Greek and Roman masters. It was Andrea Palladio who managed not only to preserve the principles and concepts of ancient architecture, but also to transform and adapt them to the conditions of his contemporary life. In total, Palladio created more than forty different buildings: villas, temples, houses and public buildings, bridges and dams, tombs located mainly in Vicenza and its surroundings, as well as in the Veneto region.

Creative intention

Before receiving permission in 1579 to build and start the construction of the theater "Olimpico", Andrea Palladio created several temporary theaters in Vicenza. Initially, to build a permanent theater, they wanted to use a tree, but after Palladio presented his project, the leadership of the Olympic Academy and the city decided to build a stone building, but its construction did not have enough funds. The Chair of the Academy found a way out by offering to establish forever, as a token of gratitude and gratitude, sculptural portraits of patrons on the stage of Teatro Olimpico. Vicenza thanks to this original move received an excellent theater, and patrons who donated funds - statues that still stand on his stage.

History of construction

After the problem with financing was solved, and the project was approved, construction of the building began. The theater "Olimpico" in Vicenza, which served as a prototype of the majority of theater buildings around the world, began to build in late 1579 - early 1580. The impetus for the beginning of the erection of this structure was the permission of the city authorities, issued to the famous architect and founder of the Olympic Academy - Andrea Palladio. The city allocated a place for the construction of a permanent theater, where the ancient fortress was located - Castello del Territorio, formerly used as a powder storehouse and prison. Just six months after the construction began, the author of the project "Theater Olympico", Palladio, died suddenly.

The son of Andrea Palladio - Sila continued to build the theater building. After it, construction was brought to the end by another outstanding Italian architect - Skamozzi. Drawing on the drawings of the author of the project, he managed to make his own elements, such as the arched passage into the yard through the medieval fortress wall, the halls of "Antideode" and "Odeo". It is important to emphasize that it was Vincenzo Scamozzi who created the stage scenery that made this theater famous.

Opened the theater "Olimpico" in Vicenza March 3, 1585 staging of the Sophocles tragedy "Tsar Oedipus."

Structure of "Olimpico"

When you get to the theater, you first of all find yourself in the "Antideode" hall, decorated with monochrome frescos depicting the most important events in the life of Vicenza in the 16th century. Then go to Sala dell'Odèo, whose walls are painted with colorful murals. Both of these halls, "Odeo" and "Antideode", are now used for business conferences and meetings.

Passing the halls with frescoes, we get into a small, by modern standards, room. It houses an amphitheater, an orchestra and a stage. The auditorium is decorated with wooden columns painted with marble, and the scene is made of the same material. It is worth noting that the theater "Olimpico" received its name thanks to the frescoes depicting the Olympic gods and decorating the room for musicians. The ceiling in this room represents the sky.

A wooden stage is an architectural decoration, made in the form of a triumphal arch with streets leaving it, drawn out on a flattened relief and creating an illusion of depth. Statues and columns support the game of proportions.

Modern life

Despite a rather respectable age, the theater "Olimpico" lives a rather active life: it hosts musical performances, and theater plays and plays are staged. However, in order to preserve this monument of culture and architecture, entered in the register of the world cultural heritage of UNESCO, its capacity is limited to only 400 spectators. Theatrical performances go in it only in the autumn and in the spring. This is explained by the fact that the building is not suitable for both summer and winter conditions of functioning: there are no heating and air conditioning systems. They are not installed specifically, as studies have shown the possibility of damage to wooden structures in the case of their installation and operation.