Nevertheless, there is one permanent expression of this art: the theatre buildings. Every theatre building tells us something about the time when it was built, the intentions of its builders, the relationship between audience and artists, the cooperation of the artists across all borders and the change of times. Furthermore there is a European aspect to all theatres: the architectural form as we know it today was developed in Italy in the 17th century and subsequently spread all over Europe. The theatre therefore belongs to the very few truly European types of building.
To make it as easy for you as possible to experience this very special European cultural heritage, selected historic theatres are being connected up to form a European Route of Historic Theatres. The European Route consists of various part routes, each combining about 10 theatres, offering a pleasant journey of about a week.
In autumn 2007, the first part route will open: the German Route. And then the European Route will expand every year. Watch it grow and try the Nordic Route that will take you to unique historic theatres in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Go on holiday in the south and visit the oldest theatres in Europe plus some very special private theatres on the Italian Route. Live like a prince and follow the Emperor Route to theatres of the nobility in the Czech Republic and Austria. And learn everything about historic theatres in Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK on the Channel Route.
Listen to history while you are following the string of historic theatres. See for yourself what other generations have thought, built and designed and what this means to us today. Find out how Europe worked. Enjoy one or more performances. Experience history in its most beautiful form.
German Route
Nordic Route (from spring 2008)
Channel Route (from autumn 2008)
Italian Route (from spring 2009)
Emperor Route (date to be confirmed)
With the support of the Culture Programme of the European Union
