The exterior of the theatre was undamaged but the interior stonework was calcified by the intense heat.
The theatre was not to last long on, a mere six years after its opening, it was brought to a premature end by a fire. After four years, the Opera House, with a seating capacity of 1,095 and 200 standing, was ready for the official opening on 9 October 1866.
The building of the 206 feet (63 m) by 112 feet (34 m) site started in 1862, after what was the Casa della Giornata was demolished. This resulted in a terrace being added on the side of Strada Reale (nowadays Republic Street) designed by Maltese architects. The original plans had to be altered because the sloping streets on the sides of the theatre had not been taken into consideration.
The design of the building was entrusted to Edward Middleton Barry, the architect of Covent Garden Theatre, and the classic design plan was completed by 1861.
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