Gran Teatre del Liceu

Frommer's Review

This monument to Belle Epoque extravagance, a 2,700-seat opera house, is one of the grandest theaters in the world -- and it's very easy to find, halfway down La Rambla. It was designed by the Catalan architect Josep Oriol Mestves. On January 31, 1994, a huge fire gutted the opera house, shocking Catalans, many of whom regarded this place as the very citadel of their culture. The government immediately vowed to rebuild and was helped by the proceeds of a spectacular open-air concert in the burned-out shell of the old building. The new Liceu was reopened in 1999, well before the millennium deadline set by the cultural czars. Included in the rebuilding were a quiet cafe and an extensive shop in the basement, open during the day. Each show offers a couple of reduced-rate performances, where ticket prices are half-price (or close to it). Guided tours of the theater (lasting about an hour) are also available daily 10am to 6pm.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.