Built on the initiative of noble citizens and inaugurated in 1808 and designed by Austrian architect Leopoldo Pollack, it would become the city’s most important theatre (1300 seats, 88 theatre boxes distributed over three levels and a gallery). It remained in operation until 1929, when it used as a venue for occasional parties and carnival dances. Following decades of neglect, it was restored and reopened to the public in 2009.