Figueirense Coliseum

Category: Civil Architecture > Building

District: Coimbra > Figueira da Foz > Figueira da Foz > Praia de Buarcos

Location

- Located in Buarcos, São Julião da Figueira da Foz, in the municipality of Figueira da Foz.

Inauguration and History

- Inaugurated on August 25, 1895.

- Built on the initiative of local aficionados, led by Dr. João Antunes Pereira das Neves and Aníbal Augusto de Melo.

- Project developed in just 5 months, under the direction of João Martins Hespanhol and with the architect João Maria da Assunção Costa.

Architecture and Capacity

- Designated "Coliseum" due to its large dimensions, with a capacity of 6,000 spectators.

- Circular structure with bleachers, galleries, and boxes with ogival arches.

- Entrance highlighted by battlements and an ogival arch, with a representation of a bull and the inscription "1895 COLISEU FIGUEIRENSE".

Recognition

- Classified as a Municipal Property of Interest on January 13, 2005, by the Figueira da Foz City Council.

Evolution and Conservation

- Several interventions over time for maintenance and improvements.

- Electrical installation in 1957.

- Original wooden bleachers and boxes replaced by masonry in 1964.

- Chapel built in 1968.

Current Use

- Multifunctional cultural space, used for bullfights, musical concerts, and other cultural events.

- Holding of special events, such as the gala corrida in the old Portuguese style commemorating the 120th anniversary of the Coliseum in 2015.

Cultural Significance

- Represents a long bullfighting tradition in the Baixo Mondego region, known for its connection to the breeding of brave bulls and agricultural culture.

Visit

- Place of interest for those who appreciate historical architecture and diverse cultural events.

- Possibility to attend varied events, from bullfights to concerts and cultural shows.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coliseu_Figueirense