Whether it's an old opera house, an acoustically superb building, a place played by Mozart or a black and tie upper-class experience you are after, Europe offers all these opportunities for opera fans.

Although Wurttemberg State Theatre in Germany was part destroyed during the war, but rebuilt its base for Stuttgart Opera, Glyndebourne opened a £34 million extension to make opera more pleasurable in the UK and the Teatro di San Carlois still going strong as Europe's largest opera in Naples.

Teatro di San Carlo

Touted as the oldest opera in Italy and largest in Europe, the San Carlo in Naples is a must-see. The theatre was built in only half a year in 1737 and is famous for its acoustics. It is famous for audience members storming the stage, according to visitors to the good hotels in Naples. For a more behaved crowd head north the La Scala in Milan, but you will miss the best hotels in Naples.

Gran Teatre del Liceu

Barcelona is known for Gaudi architecture and for opera too. Take time from the affordable accommodation in Barcelona to look around the city, which includes the artist's famous skull and bone-balcony structure on the city's famous drinking and dining street. Almost as famous is the Gran Teatre del Liceu, which makes for a good night out in between Gaudi. It was built in the 19th centre by the good hotels in Barcelona and was the stomping ground for many great singers, including Jose Carreras in his youth.

Wurttemberg State Theatre

This theatre was rebuilt after Allied bombing during the second world war, but has not quite regained the razzamatazz of yesteryear. Max Littmann built the original Warttemberg State Theatre for the Stuttgart State Opera. It had classical columns, which propped up the stone structure, which overlooks the lake. Have an opera break by booking a night in one of the cheap hotels in Stuttgart to spend more on your evening's experience. Seating 1,400 people it is one of the biggest operatic shows in Germany.

Prague Estates Theatre

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart first conducted a performance of Don Giovanni here, and from this Prague Estates Theatre has got better. It has been described as one of the best places to experience Mozart's operas in a venue he clearly appreciated. Stay in the best hotels in Prague to eat, drink and be merry in one of the city's watering holes. Stay a while and try the beer Prague is famous for.

Glyndebourne

When founder John Christie announced he wanted to set up a professional opera with a difference, he came up with Glyndebourne opera house in the UK. The atmosphere and long evening interval makes the experience in East Sussex one that you will never forget. Opera is situated in a 700 year old country manor for more than 1,200 fans and in the last 16 years it has had a £34 million theatre to show off the performances. Black tie and evening dress only with the Festival here, an institution for opera lovers.

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