National Theatre Dona Maria II

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Theatre

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Santa Justa

Location

The Dona Maria II National Theatre stands majestically in Praça de D. Pedro IV, known to many as Rossio, the vibrant heart of Lisbon. Its presence is a distinctive landmark in this central city square, contributing to the atmosphere and surrounding urban identity.

A Vision for Portuguese Theatre

The history of this theatre has roots in a long-standing ambition. In 1836, the writer and politician Almeida Garrett was tasked with outlining a plan for a national theatre, with the aim of transforming it into a school of good taste and a pillar for the nation's cultural progress. This project sought to establish a worthy stage for the performance of Portuguese plays, reflecting the importance of art in building national identity. The chosen site for its construction was symbolic: the rubble of the old Estaus Palace, which had been the seat of the Inquisition and had been consumed by a fire.

Architecture and Renaissance

Inaugurated on April 13, 1846, the Dona Maria II National Theatre was named after the queen in whose honor it was opened. The architectural project, authored by the Italian Fortunato Lodi, features a neoclassical style that lends the building a remarkable grandeur. However, in December 1964, a devastating fire consumed a large part of the structure, leaving only the outer walls standing. The building we see today is the result of a meticulous reconstruction, which faithfully respected the original layout, reopening its doors in 1978 and preserving its historical and significant aesthetic.

A Stage for Culture

Throughout its existence, the Dona Maria II National Theatre has established itself as one of the most relevant stages in Portugal. Not only for its monumentality but also for its central role in presenting national and international dramatic works. The choice of the name Queen Dona Maria II was a tribute to her great appreciation and support for theatre in Portugal. In 2012, the building was recognized as a national monument, underscoring its undeniable historical and cultural value for the country and for the city of Lisbon.

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