Naples - San Carlo Theater

(Local Name: Teatro San Carlo / Galleria Umberto) Naples busiest traffic intersection is the Piazza Trieste e Trento, on the east side of which stands the Teatro San Carlo, one of the largest theaters in Europe (2,900 seats). Immediately north is the Galleria Umberto, a shopping arcade built in 1887-90.

Built expeditiously, in half a year, for King Charles' birthday in 1737, this gilded Neo-Classical building is one of the largest opera houses in Italy and is considered to have outstanding acoustics. With seating for 3,500 San Carlo has the reputation of attracting the noisiest and worst-behaved audiences in Italy. It was bombed in 1943 but quickly rebuilt. Originally constructed in 1737, the theater has been rebuilt several times.