BAYREUTH – A RARE BLEND OF MUSIC, FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Bayreuth located in upper Franconia, Germany, has one of the best music festivals in the world initiated by world-famous composer Richard Wagner.

- Aruna Rathod Feature Writer | Travel, Food & Lifestyle

The entrance to the Margravial Opera House of Bayreuth in Germany is a simple sandstone façade, but what lies beyond the entrance door is spectacular! As we entered, it took a while for our eyes to adjust to the darkness but when they did, we were stunned. The interior resembling a grand cathedral is replete with carved woodwork, exclusive frescoes,and gold finishing. As we looked up the ceiling was the highlight — a large-scale trompe-l'œil fresco designed to give the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality — an artistic masterpiece — and it takes a full five or ten minutes to admire the grand ceiling.

“The opera house opened in 1748 for the wedding of Wilhelmine's daughter, serving as a masterpiece of Baroque architecture,” said our guide. She also mentioned that the box seating didn’t face the stage, it was diagonal and one could see the other guests while sitting in the box, which served the purpose well when used for wedding receptions. It was only much later that the opera house was used as a venue for cultural festivals and occasions.

Glorious Interiors

It was built in the 18th century under the reign and guidance of Margravine Wilhelmine, the Prussian princess and sister of Frederick the Great. It stood witness to the festive and musical culture of the 18th century, and was inspired by the opera houses in Vienna and Dresden.

The bell-shaped auditorium of tiered loges built of wood and lined with decoratively painted canvas was designed by the then leading European theatre architect Giuseppe Galli Bibiena and his son Carlo, two of the most famous theatre designers of their era. The sandstone façade was designed by court architect Joseph Saint Pierre.