Bullring

Category: Civil Architecture > Bullring

District: Évora > Évora > Évora

Location

The Bullring is located in the city of Évora, integrated into its urban fabric. It is situated in the area corresponding to the civil parish of São Manços e São Vicente do Pigeiro, a zone that forms the heart of the city, making it accessible to visitors of Évora.

History and Foundation

The Évora Bullring building was inaugurated on May 19, 1889, a significant event attended by King D. Luís I and his court. Its construction was due to the dedication of António Torres Vaz Freire, a prominent landowner from the Alentejo region, who envisioned the creation of this space for bullfighting.

From its genesis, the venue was designed to accommodate around five thousand spectators, reflecting the importance bullfighting had at the time in Évora and Alentejo.

A Remarkable Past

For some years, this Bullring was recognized as one of the best in the country, serving as a stage for performances by the most renowned Portuguese bullfighters of its golden age. However, over time, its use became less frequent, eventually being used mainly once a year, during the traditional celebrations of São João and São Pedro.

Transformation and Reuse

In recent years, the Évora City Council promoted a comprehensive renovation project, coordinated by architect Carlos Guedes de Amorim. This process transformed the building into a modern and versatile facility, now known as Arena d’Évora.

The re-inauguration of this revitalized space took place in 2007, allowing it to host a variety of events beyond bullfighting, adapting it to the contemporary needs of the city.

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