While it’s not an actual fish, the impression is certainly striking: The architecture of the opera house is a work of art in itself. Designed by world-famous architect Santiago Calatrava, the Queen Sofia Palace of the Arts is not just an opera house but also a cultural center. It opened its doors in 2005 to the triumphant tune of Beethoven's only opera piece, Fidelio. The opera house measures more than 70 meters in height alone and thus holds the title of the tallest opera house in the world! Fourteen stories above ground make up the height seen from outside, and there are three more floors below ground.

There are four auditoriums for you to marvel at, with the main hall being the Sala Principal. It can seat almost 2000 people and is most often used for opera. Given its impressive size, the hall has one of the largest stages in the world with major facilities installed, along with the third largest orchestra pit in the world. That is, it can have about 120 musicians at one time. Its very structure is fascinating, with the hall shaped like a giant white egg yolk from the side. The Auditorium sits above the Main Hall, equally equipped to handle close to the same number of guests and it has high-end systems that can project what is happening in venues below. You can enjoy chamber music performances at the Aula Magistral, and the Martí i Soler Theatre takes you below the base of the plume. A wondrous experience, for sure!