Teatro Solis (Solis Theatre), Montevideo (must see)

The Solis Theatre is Uruguay's oldest and most renowned theatre. Originally conceived as a watering hole where the elite of prosperous Montevideo could meet and greet, the Theatre opened its doors in 1856. It was designed by Italian architect Carlo Zucchi and is located in the historic neighborhood of Montevideo, next to Independence Square.

The Solis Theatre was named after Juan Diaz de Solis, a 16th-century explorer who was the first European to set foot in what is now Uruguay. The theatre was reconstructed in 1998. The rebuild included two columns designed by French architect Philippe Starck. Rehabilitation was completed in 2004 with acoustics by the French studio Avel Accoustique.

The main entrance of the Solis Theatre is at the intersection of Buenos Aires Street and Bartolomeo Mitre Street. The facade of the building is very much like that of the Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa. It is a Romanesque architecture style with a Greek-style portico and columns. The elliptical interior also resembles the interiors of Italian opera houses.

The Solis Theatre is open evenings from Tuesday through Sunday. It is a venue for opera, ballet, theater, and classical music performances. Guided tours are available throughout the day.