"the principal", as is known colloquially, is one of the oldest opera houses in spain. it was built in 1829, to a design by giovanni palagi, according to the italian standards of 18th century opera, and opened on 15 december 1829. every year, "the principal" hosts "opera week", an event where important opera figures who sing the "bel canto" repertoire perform. the theatre is also an important focus of menorcan culture.