Vicenza - Teatro Olimpico

Opposite the Museo Civico in Vicenza is the Teatro Olimpico (damaged by an earthquake shock in 1976), which was begun by Palladio in 1580 and completed by Vincenzo Scamozzi in 1584. Built of wood and stucco, this is a Renaissance adaption of the ancient type of theater. The auditorium, with seating for 1,000, rises in semi-oval tiers; the magnificent stage wall offers vistas through three openings of streets contrived to secure the effect of perspective.