Barcelona - Gran Teatre del Liceu

The Gran Teatre del Liceu (officially Liceo Filarmónico Dramático Barcelonés de Su Majestad la Reina Isabel) is the largest opera house in Spain and next to La Scala Milan the second largest traditional theater in Europe. Built in 1844 and inaugurated in 1848 it conceals behind its somewhat plain facade a magnificent auditorium and 19th century wall and ceiling paintings in New Pompeian style. Many boxes are privately owned which limits the number of tickets available to the public.

Many great singers, including Victoria de los Angeles, Montserrat Caballe and Jose Carreras began their careers at this opera house. Rebuilt in 1862 after a fire destroyed the original, the Liceu presents at least one Spanish opera a year. The season runs from November until March and visiting companies from France, Germany, Italy and Russia perform here.