Category: Culture and Entertainment > Theatre
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Sacramento
The Trindade Theatre is located in a central and historically significant point of Lisbon, in the Chiado area. It is situated in Largo da Trindade, an area that acts as a link between the cultural dynamism of Chiado and the characteristic atmosphere of Bairro Alto. Its urban implantation dates back to a strategic choice, in an area of the city that has always had a strong vocation for arts and leisure.
This specific location, in the parish of Sacramento, Lisbon, is part of an urban fabric with deep historical roots, where the city's life unfolds with its own pulse, marked by the coexistence of past and present.
Inaugurated in 1867, the Trindade Theatre is one of Lisbon's oldest performing arts venues that remains in full activity. Its genesis is due to the vision of Francisco Palha, a writer and playwright who, in 1866, joined forces with influential figures of the time to fulfill the dream of building his own theatre. The choice of the site was not random; it was linked to local tradition, where, in the mid-18th century, the Academia da Trindade already existed, considered the city's first popular opera theatre.
The building was erected on the ruins of a palace destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, which gives the site an additional layer of history and resilience, bearing witness to Lisbon's capacity to rise again and innovate over the centuries.
The architectural project of the Trindade Theatre, by Miguel Evaristo de Lima Pinto, reflects an interesting dialogue between different styles. It presents characteristics of the Pombaline style, visible in its volume, the rhythm of the first-floor bay windows, and the stone quoins. Added to these are elements of Italianate Neoclassicism, in vogue at the time, such as the rounded corners, the cornice that crowns the building, and the portico with pilasters on the main facade.
The facades are enriched with medallions representing the Muses, reflecting Italian taste, and on the main facade, busts of great figures of Portuguese literature, such as António Ferreira, Damião de Góis, and Sá de Miranda, in addition to the muse of dance, Terpsichore. Although the Salão do Trindade, on the east facade, was demolished and later rebuilt with a tiled pediment, the west facade, corresponding to the back of the stage, retains windows that offer natural lighting.
The main hall of the Trindade Theatre follows a horseshoe-shaped auditorium model, popularized by Italian architects throughout Europe. This classic design allows for a privileged view of the stage from various perspectives.
In the past, the seats in the auditorium were removable and the floor could be raised to the level of the stage, transforming the space into a large ballroom. The ceiling painting, a trompe l'œil work by José Procópio, is a highlight, depicting various personalities linked to Literature and Theatre, such as Gil Vicente, Almeida Garrett, and Luís de Camões. The stage, in turn, is equipped with a mobile floor with trapdoors, designed to create dynamic scenic effects.
Throughout its existence, the Trindade Theatre has undergone various phases and transformations, adapting to the times and Lisbon's cultural needs. Acquired in 1962 by FNAT, now known as Fundação INATEL, the theatre has been the subject of continuous investment in its preservation and modernization.
Significant interventions in 1967, with the adoption of the current blue and gold decoration, and later in 1991 and 2009, allowed for the renovation of its facilities, the creation of new support spaces, and technical re-equipment. These works ensure that Trindade continues to be a vital space for the presentation of theatrical productions and other artistic manifestations, maintaining its status as one of the most emblematic and active buildings in the city's cultural landscape.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.711829011111, -9.1425413777778
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'42.6"N 09°08'33.1"W
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