It is the oldest theatre in town, built in the late 17th century using part of the structures of the never-finished palazzo della Signoria. The first mention of a “big room for comedies” related to the place dates to 1664, which would lead to the place be renamed “Noble Theatre” in 1668, one of the oldest Italian theatres with boxes. Originally it had a wooden structure and in 1751 it was embellished by pictorial decorations, curtains and scenarios, which gave it a very remarkable aspect.
After 1819, following the theft of the 18th-century decorations by unknown Florentine restorers, the theatre’s aspect was notably poorer and the Spoletan population expressed the wish to have a bigger and more lavish theatre, to the point that some tried to set the old theatre afire. The inauguration of the Teatro Nuovo (New Theatre) in 1864 led to the decline of the “Noble Theatre”. Yet, after just a decade, the old theatre was renovated by the City, which commissioned its restoration to Spoletan architect Giovanni Montiroli. In 1880 the theatre was re-opened and named after Caio Melisso, Spoletan writer, comedist and grammarian, who was also Augustus’ trustworthy librarian.
Today the theatre has a horseshoe plant, three rows of boxes and a gallery; the roof is decorated by paintings portraying Apollo and the Muses, while the curtain shows “The Glory of Caio Melisso”; both works are by Domenico Bruschi. The theatre seats 300 and is considered one of the most elegant theatres in Italy; it has been hosting plays included in the program of the Festival Of Two Worlds ever since the festival’s foundation in 1958.
Following the recent renovation, that was made possible by the gracious, munificent Carla Fendi Foundation, that also restored the historical curtain, the theatre is now named Teatro Caio Melisso - Spazio Carla Fendi.

L’Umbria, Manuali per il Territorio, Spoleto, Roma 1978