Built in 1841 based on the design by Taddeo Salvini, the Fenaroli theatre was erected on the site of what was previously a religious building. It has 44 boxes divided into three sections, the gods and the stalls and over eight hundred seats. The 22nd April 1847 was the date of the official inauguration of the theatre, as is indicated also on the façade of the building, in the presence of King Ferdinand II and queen Maria Cristina. Later entitled the San Ferdinando in honour of the prince, following the unification of Italy the structure took the name of the musician and composer Fedele Fenaroli, a source of pride for the town  of Lanciano. In 1869, following the design of the architect Fillippo Sargiacomo, the stage was enlarged and the building also made larger. In the early 1900s inside the first films were projected in the theatre: the debut of cinema in the city was actually in 1897. Other modifications date back to 1933 and correspond to the reopening of the theatre, after a period of closure that lasted around ten years and the completion of the area that is located above the foyer. The current appearance of the Theatre was finalized during the renovation work carried out in 1997 : also commemorated by an inscription stone in the façade. The building is an example of local neoclassicism and is made of brick and ashlars. The front is composed of three entrances and is made up of four Doric columns. Entering through a small foyer there is a then a  loggiata that leads to the raised stage. Today the theatre is one of the most important and active cultural destinations in the town.