Sá da Bandeira Theatre
Portuguese history, culture and tradition.
Also known as Teatro do Príncipe Real, Teatro Sá da Bandeira is one of the most important landmarks of the cultural heritage of the city of Porto.
From the Shed to the Circus-Theater
Inaugurated in March 1874 as the Royal Theatre-Circus, its origins dates to the wooden shed for circus arts that existed here in 1846, and which was built by José Ferrer Catalon, but in the meantime, in 1858, would have been replaced by a stone building. Under a modest design, it followed the models of nineteenth-century theatres and opera houses, in a neoclassical style in which the facade blends in with the neighboring architecture.
Neoclassical Inspiration
In 1910, with the implementation of the Republic, it was renamed Teatro Sá da Bandeira and had a capacity of seventeen hundred seats. On the facade, the lower floor has five openings, with two entrance doors at the side ends, and three storefronts between them. The upper floor has a set of nine windows with iron guards, chest and balcony, with the central one preceded by a stone balcony. The main entrance hall and staircase date from the mid-twentieth century interventions.
With a polygonal iron roof and a circular plan, the concert hall is divided into four levels: audience, tribune and two floors of boxes in a white wooden structure, embellished by gilded carving and plasterwork. The ceiling painting features floral motifs and the walls are covered in brocade paper. Also, noteworthy it’s the scenery change structure, which features a web entirely in wood, composed of a system of stairs, walkways and platforms interposed by a system of manually operated ropes and pulleys for the ascent and descent of scenery, also arranged in wooden frames.
Cultural Landmark of the City
In this house, some important artistic events were exhibited, such as the presentation of Sarah Bernhardt in several plays, especially The Lady of the Camellias and Fedora in 1895. The presentation of the Animatography in 1896, and the presentation of the first films made by the Portuguese Aurélio da Paz dos Reis, were also important premieres for the time. The Teatro Sá da Bandeira is the oldest show building in Porto, with practically uninterrupted activity since its foundation, representing one of the most important landmarks of the city’s cultural heritage.
Experiences
Explore the streets and squares of theatres and cinemas with the “Tour 4 – Through the Cultural Centres of Porto“. This itinerary takes you to the era of modernism, not only in the arts but also in the people and the city and is accompanied by the story “Elements of the City of Porto“, a set of natural and human attributes that greatly contribute to the definition of the city’s character. Discover the city of Porto and learn about its history and culture with the Walkinporto app.
Baixa is also an area where some of the most sought-after accommodation in the city is located. Our accommodation suggestions are very centrally located so that you can feel and live the soul of the city up close and get to know its historic neighborhoods. Get to know our accommodation advice.
