Gran Teatre del Liceu Guided Tour

Ever since the Gran Teatre del Liceu opened in the April of 1857, it has been a hub for artistic expression and musical performances. The Philodramatic Lyceum of Montesión, now called the Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu, was conceived as a centre for musical education. It also originally served as a place for Liceo (Lyceum) students to practice and perform. Shortly after this, a theatre was built for public performances. Famous Italian composers like Gioachino Rossini and Bellini frequented the theatre. Although the building was damaged in a fire in 1861, it was redesigned by the architect, Josep Oriol Mestres, and opened the following year. The foyer, the entrance hall, and the facade survived the fire, and you can visit these parts of the Liceu during your tour.

Today, the theatre sits in La Rambla, a bustling street in downtown Barcelona. The Saló de Miralls, also known as the Hall of Mirrors, is one of the oldest surviving parts of the Liceu. It contains paintings of well-known musicians and dancers. Contemporary artists like Perejaume have contributed to the resurrection of the building. New technological features have also been added including projecting cabins and high-tech recording equipment.

The Liceu is a truly unique opera house that takes you into the heart of Europe’s musical culture. As a theatre that hosted some of history’s most renowned musicians and performers, the Liceu has been an iconic haunt for both tourists and locals. There is something here for everyone.

Your tour will begin at the famous lobby of the Gran Teatre del Liceu designed in the Catalan Renaissance style. The original horseshoe-shaped auditorium, designed by the legendary Miquel Garriga I Roca in 1847, has been perfectly replicated. The theatre’s acoustics are unparalleled. This is where you will be heading next. Bask in the beautifully decorated Hall of Mirrors. Here, you can view some of the best allegorical paintings and texts. You can also visit the foyer, a place that once served as a relaxation room during show intervals. Today, it is used as a multi-purpose room that also hosts small-scale performances. Your guide will clearly explain the history and significance of the place in English or Spanish.

If you opt for the Prestige Tour, you will also get a chance to visit the Cercle Del Liceu. This is a private English-style club with its own collection of exquisite paintings by leading artists of the time like Gaspar Homar and Ramon Casas. There are many lectures, presentations, and concerts organised here every year. It is a unique experience that you simply cannot forgo.