The ancient name of the main Theatre in Pistoia was linked to the 'Accademia dei Risvegliati' (literally the Academy of the Awakened) and was founded in 1642 by Monsignor Felice Cancellieri in his own building just a few steps away from Piazza Duomo in what is now Piazza San Bartolomeo. The Academy whose symbol was a rising sun with the motto 'TUO LUMINE' (your light) was dedicated to literature, poetry and music, holding public and private gatherings of people for the exhibition of works by its members. The cultural importance and political influence of its members led the city council to give the Academy a room in a public building for its activities. The 'risvegliati' (awakened) supported the plan to build a theatre in the town of Pistoia. They found the site and organised the fund-raising for its construction. Between 1677 and 1678, the council gave its authorization for the chosen area; a building which had once been the property of the noble Filippo Rospigliosi and had been a 16th century wool workshop. This building's wide, rectangular room was ideal for public shows.The original layout of the theatre was probably created by the architect Francesco Maria Gatteschi, who was very active in many prestigious building sites in Pistoia and was himself a member of the Academy. The first building was definitely more functional than decorative however, with interiors in wood, iron and bricks. By 1715, the theatre was ready to host public shows. However, it was not long before it was decided to improve the bulding and thus, the project was given to the architect and scenographer Antonio Galli Bibbiena. The restoration of the place was quick but unfortunately, the necessary expenditure for the work was excessive. The debts incurred compromised the harmony between the members of the Academy, which was then subsequently forced to give up the hosting of important theatrical events. Upgrades and adjustments were done again between 1700 and 1800 by the architect Cosimo Rossi Melocchi. The final restoration of the building in its current form was done between 1861 and 1864 from a plan made by the architect Pietro Bernrdini. The theatre became big enough to host 1200 people and in 1864 was named after Alessandro Manzoni. Between 1926 and 1929, new restoration work was done by the engineer Luca Manfredini and the current exterior with the typical Tuscan 'portico' with a rising sun at its centre (symbol of the ancient "Academy of the Awakened) was built.