The Teatro Sant’Apollinare, also known as Teatro Sant’Aponal, was a Venetian opera house active during the mid-17th century. Located in what is now Corte Petriana in the parish of Sant’Apollinare, it was named after the nearby church, in keeping with Venetian tradition.

Established in 1651 within a pre-existing residential building previously used for theatrical performances, the theatre was relatively small and situated outside the main cultural centers of the city. Despite its modest scale, it was equipped with advanced stage machinery that allowed for elaborate and visually striking productions. From its opening until its closure in 1661, it hosted performances of drammi per musica as well as other forms of staged entertainment.

The theatre was founded and initially managed by the young librettist and impresario Giovanni Faustini, already well known in Venice for his collaboration with the composer Francesco Cavalli. The inaugural season opened during the Carnival of 1651 with L’Oristeo, set to music by Cavalli on a libretto by Faustini. The theatre quickly attracted attention, largely due to the prominence of the artists and patrons involved, among them the Venetian nobles Alvise Duodo and Marc’Antonio Correr.

Faustini’s sudden death in February 1651, shortly after the opening, brought an abrupt interruption to his plans. The management of the theatre was subsequently taken over by his brother Marco Faustini, who continued its activity, often relying on Cavalli as principal composer. After an initial period in which the theatre was sublet, Marco Faustini assumed direct control in 1654, maintaining operations despite financial and legal difficulties.

In 1657, the theatre was leased to the Accademia degli Imperturbabili, which used it as its seat. A few years later, the decision was made to dismantle the structure, a process likely completed around 1661, although performances continued until shortly before that date. Among the last documented productions were La Pazzia in trono, ovvero Caligola delirante (1660) and a revival of L’Eritrea by Cavalli (1661).

After its closure, the building underwent several changes of use. By the late 17th century, the ground floor was employed as a storage space for the Doganetta dell’Olio, and concerns over fire risk led to restrictions on any renewed theatrical activity. Over time, the theatre disappeared entirely, and the structure was eventually converted back into residential units.

Despite its brief existence, the Teatro Sant’Apollinare played a significant role in the development of Venetian opera during a period of rapid expansion of public theatres. It contributed to the transition of opera from aristocratic and private settings to a commercial and public art form, leaving a lasting imprint on the cultural life of the city.