Just outside the ancient walls of Petritoli stands the Teatro dell’Iride, an elegant historic jewel built between 1873 and 1877 and designed by engineer Giuseppe Sabbatini of Montegiorgio, with contributions from the best local craftsmen.
Its unusual name for a theater reflects the revolutionary and idealistic spirit of the people of Petritoli: in symbolism, the “Iride” – Iris – represents freedom, peace, and harmony between men and God.
Inside, the intimate and fascinating hall welcomes you amid Corinthian columns, two tiers of boxes and a balcony gallery. Stucco, gilding, and allegorical frescoes – with female figures and four medallions on the ceiling – create a refined and timeless atmosphere.
The theater was inaugurated in May 1877 with Gaetano Donizetti’s three-act opera buffa “Don Pasquale.” In the following years it hosted plays, concerts and, between the 1930s and the postwar period, was also used as a movie theater.
After being closed due to safety renovations, the Teatro dell’Iride has once again become the heart of Petritoli’s cultural life. Today, it hosts events, performances, and the prestigious International Oboe Competition “Giuseppe Tomassini” (1915-1987), dedicated to the renowned musician who was born in the village.
