Sit in the plush red seats of Teatro Morelli and experience a little piece of local history. Look out across the vivid red-and-gold stage and relish the exciting atmosphere of this much-loved performing arts venue. The grand theater is a 19th-century beauty, but things haven’t always been so rosy. Learn about the history of the Teatro Morelli and witness performances by some of Cosenza’s bright local talent.

As you approach the Teatro Morelli, note its prominent location on a downtown corner facing the pretty Busento River. The theater’s subtle neoclassical façade has been lovingly restored and modernized with a coat of cream paint and eggshell-blue trim, returning the building to its pre-war beauty. Learn about the theater’s long road back to glory. Bombings in World War II left the structure buried in rubble. It quickly got back on its feet with the aid of the Morelli family. For decades, it was used to promote local youth theater, host touring performers and screen Sunday morning cartoons.

By the 1990s, the theater fell into disuse and remained abandoned for nearly 10 years. Enter the foyer to see how the community rallied together to revive the landmark venue. View the beautifully restored interior, which was returned to the city of Cosenza in 2008. Appreciate the atmosphere of the humming theater and wander into the main hall. The theater is decorated with rich gold-and-red tones, honoring the venue’s original interiors.

You might see a local youth theater production or an experimental show by one of the city’s acclaimed companies. Classical and modern dance pieces are regularly shown here, as well as jazz performances. The schedule may include a charity event, a conference or a recital. Many local, regional and provincial events are held in this revered venue.

Teatro Morelli faces the south bank of the Busento River in the heart of historic Cosenza. Add the venue to your walking tour of the Centro Storico to see what’s on during your visit and return later in the day to watch a show. The theater hosts evening shows on Monday nights and matinees on Wednesdays and Fridays.