Montalvão Bullring

Category: Civil Architecture > Bullring

District: Portalegre > Nisa > Montalvão > Santo André

Location

The Montalvão Bullring is integrated into the urban fabric of Montalvão, a village in the municipality of Nisa. It is specifically located in the Santo André area, with direct access via Rua de Ferro, which corresponds to National Road 359, facilitating its identification and arrival for visitors to the area.

Its position within the village makes it a reference point for inhabitants and for those exploring Montalvão, set in a typical Alentejo environment.

A Cultural Symbol

This venue, built in the 20th century, is more than a structure; it is a living reflection of the bullfighting tradition that Montalvão preserves. Since its inauguration, the bullring has hosted shows linked to bull culture, maintaining this practice rooted in local identity.

Its cultural and recreational function has remained unchanged since its origin, continuing to be a space for socializing and celebrating the region's roots. It is a point of interest for those seeking to understand the experiences and customs of the Alentejo interior.

History and Construction

The history of the Montalvão Bullring dates back to its inauguration, which took place on September 7, 1933. Its construction was a peculiar process, carried out in two distinct phases, and financed in a very particular way: revenues obtained from bullfights held during the construction period were reinvested in the building of the bullring itself.

This approach to its construction underlines the community's strong connection to bullfighting, which allowed this space dedicated to leisure and tradition to be erected.

Architectural Features

The Montalvão Bullring features a circular shape characteristic of bullfighting arenas. Its architecture is representative of the type of recreational buildings constructed in 20th-century Portugal, specifically designed for bullfighting spectacles.

Currently, the structure remains in good condition, allowing for the observation of its original features and the perception of its functionality. It is an example of the popular architecture of the time, designed for entertainment and social gathering.

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