The Teatro Regio, built between 1821 and 1829 under Marie Louise of Austria (Napoleon's widow, who ruled Parma until 1847), is one of Italy's great opera houses. It is associated above all with Verdi, who was born just outside the city and whose works dominate the repertoire — the annual Verdi Festival in October fills the house with international audiences. The interior is classic horseshoe in red and gold, with four tiers of boxes and a painted ceiling fresco.
Performances run roughly from October to April, with the Verdi Festival in October. Tickets sell out fast; guided daytime tours of the auditorium are usually available when no rehearsal is on.