The Politeama Rossetti in Trieste is one of the most important historic theaters in the city, built in 1877 during the Habsburg period, commissioned by an anonymous society presided over by Baron Emilio de Morpurgo and composed of significant members of local entrepreneurship.
Construction and Inauguration
The architect Nicolò Bruno completed the project in less than a year. It was inaugurated on April 27, 1878 with "Un ballo in maschera" by Giuseppe Verdi and the ballet "Pietro Micca". The name Politeama reflects its multifunctional nature, designed to host:
- Operas
- Symphonic music and operettas
- Variety shows and acrobatics
Architectural Features
Architecturally, the theater features an eclectic style typical of the era, with an original capacity of about 5000 spectators between the stalls, boxes, and two orders of galleries.
Notable elements include:
- The openable dome, an innovative technical feature
- The elegance of the foyer and the hall
Located on a plot of over 4000 square meters, the construction involved an investment of 300,000 florins subscribed by the shareholders.
Historical Evolution
In 1880, the Politeama passed into the ownership of the Municipality of Trieste, quickly becoming a central cultural hub, even though the local press initially criticized its position as “a bit inconvenient” and some aesthetic choices.
Over the Habsburg period and during the Primo Dopoguerra, it was a witness and protagonist of cultural and social transformations:
- Hosted great musicians and conductors like Richard Strauss in 1903
- Became a reference point for an evolving urban audience, expanding its theatrical and musical offerings
Modern Period and Today
During the crisis of 1937, the owning company failed and the building was sold at auction to the Banco di Sicilia. The structure maintained its importance up to the present day.
Today, it is the permanent seat of the Teatro Stabile del Friuli Venezia Giulia, articulated in two halls:
- Sala Assicurazioni Generali: 1530 seats
- Sala Bartoli: dedicated to contemporary dramaturgy
The Politeama Rossetti thus represents a symbol of Triestine cultural history, a witness to the political and social transformations from Habsburg Trieste to post-war Italy, keeping alive the tradition of the theatrical scene with productions of prose, musicals, and shows of various genres.