Dramma in four parts. Libretto by Salvatore Cammarano with additions by Leone Emanuele Bardare, based on the play by Antonio García Gutiérrez. Music by Giuseppe Verdi. First performed on 19 January 1853 at the Teatro Apollo in Rome. First performed at the Gran Teatre del Liceu on 20 May 1854.

The action is set in 15th century Spain during the civil war (1413) that opposed Count James of Urgell, the pretender to the Catalan-Aragonese crown following the death of King Martin 'the Human', to Ferdinand of Antequera of the House of Trastamara, who had been chosen as king under the Compromise of Caspe (1412).

The opera tells how Manrico the troubadour, a supporter of the Count of Urgell, clashes with Count di Luna, a member of the rival faction, for the love of Leonora, a lady of the court.

Though the libretto is somewhat incoherent and lacking in genuine action, the score is a splendid example of Verdi's musical inventiveness. The pace is rousing and it includes some exquisite, very challenging arias. It is one of Verdi's most popular operas.