The theatre was built between 1854 and 1864, on a project by engineer Ireneo Aleandri from Marche. On the occasion of its inauguration of 3 September 1864, the work “Guisemberga From Spoleto” was written by Roman composer Filippo Sangiorgi, on a libretto by Carlo d’Ormeville.
The façade features a three-arch portico, adorned by stuccoes inside medallions representing Rossini, Alfieri, Goldoni and Metastasio, by A.Bagioli. The niches host four statues dating to the 17th century, a present by late Festival Of Two World’s founder and artistic director, Giancarlo Menotti.
The theatre features four rows of boxes and a gallery, and is adorned by stuccoes and precious wooden carvings, well harmonized with the temperas by the mythological subject all around the big Murano chandelier that hangs from the theatre’s ceiling.
The curtain features the scene “Hannibal’s Defeat”, by painter Francesco Coghetti, who took inspiration from the historical deed of 217 BC. The theatre is completed by a concert hall, also designed by Aleandri, and by a museum established by founder in 1947 of the Teatro Lirico Sperimentale Adriano Belli, that documents Spoleto’s intense theatre activity; handwritten letters by Rossini and Verdi are kept there.

AA.VV., L’Umbria, Manuali per il Territorio, Spoleto, Roma 1978, AA.VV., Spoleto. Guida della città, Spoleto 2007