The Villani Social Theatre was founded on the initiative of the Villani brothers, from whom it takes its name. The first small theatre hall was built in the early 1920s. It was only in 1863, on the initiative of a few citizens who formed a society, that a real Social Theatre was built, designed by Giuseppe Bollati.

In 1892 a fire destroyed the stage and the stalls, sparing only the façade. The interior was then rebuilt by Architect Sfondrini, who also changed some proportions to improve acoustics and visibility.

Giuseppe Verdi's Aida was the opera chosen for the inauguration of the new theatre, which officially took place in 1895.

Location: Biella (Biella and Oropa Valley)