Teatro Sociale

Teatro Sociale is a theatre in Como, designed by architect Giuseppe Cusi following a decision by the local nobility that a new one was needed to replace the existing 1764/65 building which was regarded as outdated. The site of the ruined medieval castle, Torre Rotonda, was the chosen location and the Società dei Palchettisti was created by membership subscriptions to fund its creation.

With its planned neo-classic façade, construction started in early 1812 and, in spite of agreement for it to be finished that same year, construction problems ensued, largely the result of a bad winter. The following Spring brought additional problems and added work so that the theatre was not finished until its August 1813 inauguration with a performance of Marco Portogallo's opera, Adriano in Siria.

By 1854 it had become apparent that the theatre was too small, and additional work was done to create thirty-eight new boxes for a total of 98. The house was re-opened in December 1855.

Among the performers who appeared during the 19th and early 20th century were Paganini, Giuditta Pasta, and Francesco Tamagno.