Despite the rather modest facade of the theater building, the Liceu is rightfully considered one of the best opera venues not only in Spain, but in the whole world! So many world stars have performed here: Placido Domingo, Montserrat Caballe, Jose Carreras, Alfredo Kraus, Fyodor Chaliapin, Maxim Mikhailov... However, the history of the Liceu was not always as brilliant as its fame.
The building of this theater was originally constructed with funds from patrons back in 1847. It was erected on the site of a collapsed monastery, and it is believed that this repeatedly brought misfortune upon the theater.
In 1893, all of Spain was shaken by the terrorist attack that took place at the Liceu. Right during a performance, 20 people were killed by the explosion of a bomb planted by an unknown person. The hall was, of course, repaired, but for a long time no one wanted to occupy those 20 seats...
In addition, over a century and a half, the theater building burned many times and was rebuilt anew, but the most terrible fire, which burned everything to the ground, happened not so long ago - in 1994. In the literal sense, only a charred shell remained of the Liceu. This event resonated around the world and, fortunately, funds for restoring the theater were raised quite quickly.
To appreciate all the grandeur of this place, be sure to step inside - for a tour of the theater, or better yet, for the opera. Only then will you be able to see the Liceu's luxurious painted ceilings, magnificent crystal chandeliers, marble staircases, snow-white columns decorated with golden patterns, and cozy boxes with crimson velvet seats...
