Barcelona’s Liceu Theatre was founded over 170 years ago upon an initiative by the local middle classes, admirers as they were of Italian opera.Today it is one of the most famous scenes in the world. And of course, the most beautiful. Let’s pay a visit there and see for yourself personally.
During its long history, the Liceu has seen presidents come and go through its doors, suffered fire twice, undergone renovations and even survived a bomb blast. It has also witnessed fierce disputes between Verdi and Wagner fans, nationalisation, the Spanish Civil War, the recent financial crisis and a return to its former owners. Find out about all this and more on your tour, uncovering the secrets of what goes on behind the scenes first by visiting the orchestra pit and getting to know the musicians of the Symphony Orchestra. We will then head to the rehearsal area, enjoying a unique opportunity to visit the dressing rooms where artists such as Montserrat Caballé, Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti and many others have had their hair and makeup done for the stage! Interestingly, some of the stars mentioned above are veteran members of the Liceu Circle, founded in 1847. Remaining to the present day in the original location, nowadays the Circle is Spain’s oldest private club. The decoration also dates back to the era, with sophisticated Modernist furniture and paintings from Catalonia’s leading artists of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. One of the famous faces depicted is that of Sofía, mother of the current King of Spain, as well as author Mario Vargas Llosa and Count Javier Godó. Membership to the circle is obviously highly exclusive, but don’t let that concern you, as our guides have the keys to every single door in the theatre!
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