The small medieval town of Macerata is fortunately still a charming insider’s tip in the quaint and from mass tourism spared Marche. With its picturesque city center, numerous churches, palaces and other Renaissance buildings, it fulfills the longing of many Italian dreams. The landmark of the city is the Sferisterio, an open-air theater built in neoclassical style. It was originally built in 1821 for the “Pallone col bracciale” (a historical ball game) and for the bullfights that were popular at the time. However, just 100 years later, a spectacular performance of “Aida” was heard for the first time in this impressive venue. Since 1967, the Sferisterio has now found its destiny and thus comes to life every July and August during the Macerata Opera Festival: its excellent acoustics and incomparable Mediterranean ambience under a twinkling starry sky make Macerata a summer fairy-tale place that magically attracts opera lovers from all over the world.