Docent-led tours take you through the Renaissance halls and behind the scenes in this historic theater, where opera and classical music reign.
Concerts, classical recitals and operatic performances of the highest caliber regularly grace the stage of the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona’s historic center. The site features an upscale restaurant in addition to a majestic auditorium. On a visit to Gran Teatre del Liceu, join a 45-minute guided tour in English with a knowledgeable docent to learn more about the theater.
Start your tour in the lobby, taking time to appreciate the Renaissance décor. Pass through to the auditorium, which is loyal to the initial 19th-century plans with its horseshoe layout. Note that the capacity of the auditorium, where all the theater’s major works are presented, reaches almost 2,300.
End the guided tour in the foyer, where talks are often held before performances in the theater. A screen streams the performance, allowing late arrivers to wait here until a break so as not to disrupt the show. Attend one of the activities that are organized in the Mirror Hall, where the elite of Catalan society frequently gathered in the 1800s.
The stunning auditorium is a replica of the original, which was built in 1847 but burnt down in 1994. The theater puts on two or three of its own productions each year.
Visit the Gran Teatre del Liceu official website to buy tickets for tours. There are discounts for students, young people and families. Children under age 7 can take part for free. Note that the box office opens Monday through Saturday from late morning until evening.
The Gran Teatre del Liceu is in the center of the Old Town quarter of Barcelona. Travel via metro to the Liceu station, just a short walk north from the theater. Make sure to see some of the neighboring sights, including the Casa Bruno Cuadros, the Mercado de La Boqueria and the Plaça del Pi.
