Destruction of La Fenice

On the night of January 29, 1996, a devastating fire destroyed the historic La Fenice opera house in Venice, Italy. It was the second time in history the theatre had burned down, the first being in 1836.

Reconstruction: The arson attack left only the exterior walls standing. The opera house was eventually rebuilt 'as it was, where it was' and reopened in 2003, restoring a vital cultural landmark to the city.