In 1882 the wooden Teatro dei Condomini was closed to the public due to government regulations, so the need to build a new theatre arouse. This one was inaugurated on September 20, 1893, with the representation of Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana and Gounod’s Faust.

The project was assigned to Achille Sfondrini, who had already worked for the realization of the Rome Opera House. The nineteenth-century theatre derives its name from the Sabina-born Emperor Flavio Vespasiano, in whose honor Giulio Rolland painted the splendid dome.
The style of the building follows the structure of classic Italian theatre: an audience divided into two sectors, three tiers and a gallery.

Under the boxes’ balconies refined stuccos represent the most distinguished European musicians. In the atrium are visible five figures representing the theatrical genres, painted by Antonino Calcagnadoro, while the ceiling presents Guglielmo Ballester’s work, the allegory of music. The decoration of this space is completed by plaques and busts, in memory of great artists, protagonists of the cultural life of this theatre.
The large dome covering the theatre is decorated with a fresco depicting “The triumph of Titus and Vespasian after the Conquest of Jerusalem”.
The beauty of this theatre is further enhanced by the National Prize for Acoustics awarded by a commission chaired by Uto Ughi in 2002.​​​​​​​

The precious invitation of Professor Gianfranco Formichetti, Councilor for Culture of the Municipality of Rieti, to return to live and enjoy the richness of our Theater, accompanied by the notes of one of the best known and loved pieces of Italian opera, with the voice of Tenor Michael Alfonsi.
Art becomes beauty in all its forms …