MILAN AND LA SCALA THEATRE:

One of the world's most famous theatres, Milan's Teatro alla Scala (known as "La Scala") is located in Piazza della Scala, which takes its name from the church Santa Maria della Scala. Built in 1381 as a wish of Beatrice Regina della Scala, the church was demolished in 1778. Designed by neoclassical architect Giuseppe Piermarini (1766-78), the façade was meant to provide a foreshortened view coming from the small district opposite the theatre. The gable showing a relief of Apollo on his cart was the perfect match to the Corinthian entablature. Later on, in 1830, two terraces on both sides were added by Alessandro Sanquirico. Standing in front of the theatre is the monument to Leonardo da Vinci by Pietro Magni (1872). Known for its excellent acoustics, La Scala hosted the first production of many famous operas by the greatest 18th Century composers.