From oil mill to stage: with 41 seats, it's the smallest Italian-style theater in Europe (and the world).
A gem in Noicàttaro.
Photo credit: Mario Marinoni Photography
If you're looking for a fascinating and unusual destination, ready to reveal a one-of-a-kind secret, prepare to immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the "Teatro città nojano" in Noicàttaro .
This small treasure trove of European architecture and culture, nicknamed the smallest theater in Europe , is located in a picturesque town just a few kilometers south of Bari.
Noicàttaro 's seemingly modest size ; here, an incredible surprise awaits you underground, exactly 4 meters below street level. With its 50 seats , this tiny treasure trove, located in the central Via Carmine, was an 18th-century olive oil mill belonging to the Carafa Dukes of Noja , the ancient name of Noicàttaro . In 1869, the "trappeto" was converted, thanks to skilled carpentry, into a municipal theater representing for almost a century an important cultural and recreational center for the Apulian town. Over time, this theater became the smallest Italian-style theater in Europe (and among the smallest in the world).
The history of the precious city theatre
The Noicàttaro theater has undergone a series of adventures and changes, primarily related to the historical events of the time. In addition to the theatrical performances of traveling companies that animated the small towns of southern Italy , the theater also took on several other functions to meet the needs of the community. It was used as a venue for social and cultural emancipation activities during labor demonstrations in the late 19th century, later as a cinema after the First World War, and finally for screenings of fascist propaganda.
A small treasure of Italian architecture
The architecture of the Noicattaro city theater is a precious testament to typical Italian art; its interior is arranged in a horseshoe shape, creating an illusion of greater depth during a performance, despite the very limited space. The traditional separations between the stage and the stalls , still visible today, even give us a glimpse of the social rigor that was once adopted to distinguish the plebs from the bourgeoisie of the time.
Visit the Noicàttaro theater
During the 2021 European Heritage Days , the cultural heart of Noicàttaro opened the doors to a treasure buried in time: today, thanks to the accompaniment of specialized tourist guides, it is possible to visit it upon request to discover its authenticity and beauty.
CONTACTS:
TEL: 080 4784242
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