Pax Julia Cinema-Theatre

Category: Civil Architecture > Cinema-Theatre

District: Beja > Beja > Beja > Santiago Maior e São João Baptista

Location

The Cine-Teatro Pax Julia is located in the city of Beja, within the area corresponding to the unions of the parishes of Santiago Maior and São João Baptista. This building is situated in an urban area, with access via roads such as Largo de São João, Rua Conde da Boavista, Rua de Santo António, and Rua de Thomas Vieira. Its location is also notable for being within the special protection zone of an important national monument, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, giving it a historical and urban context of particular relevance.

A Cultural Landmark with History

The history of Cine-Teatro Pax Julia dates back to the mid-19th century, when the Sociedade Teatral Bejense began plans for its construction. To this end, the association acquired the old buildings of a hospice and the Church of Santo António, which were part of the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Convent complex. Its official inauguration took place on December 19, 1928, marking since then the presence of an important cultural hub in the city of Beja. Over the decades, the building underwent adaptations, including a significant renovation in the 1950s, and a recovery program between 2001 and 2005, which allowed its reopening, revitalizing its role in Alentejo's cultural life after a period of closure.

Art and Performance Venue

Currently, the Cine-Teatro Pax Julia stands out as the theatre with the largest audience capacity in the entire Alentejo region. After the renovation works completed in 2005, it now features a main auditorium with 620 seats and a studio room with a capacity for 143 spectators. This space is not only dedicated to theatre but also hosts various other cultural manifestations, including concerts and a wide range of artistic initiatives. Its constant activity since reopening highlights its central role in boosting the cultural life of Beja and the region.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt