When the so-called interval musicians step onto the balcony of the Festspielhaus for the first time fifteen minutes before the start and play a specially composed fanfare, then you know: curtain up for the Bayreuth Festival! Richard Wagner’s Festspielhaus was built on the Green Hill between 1872 and 1875. It is only performed in every year from July 25th to August 28th and is a spectacular building for most visitors. This is entirely intentional, as Richard Wagner wanted it to be functional rather than ostentatious, following the ancient model of an amphitheater. The rows of seats rise evenly and - in addition to the outstanding acoustics due to the wooden construction of the auditorium and the orchestra pit, which is up to 12 meters deep - also provide an ideal view from almost all seats.