Urra Bullring

Category: Civil Architecture > Bullring

District: Portalegre > Portalegre > Urra > Santiago

Location

The Urra Bullring is located in the locality of Urra, which is part of the urban area of Santiago, in the municipality of Portalegre. The building is situated on the southern edge of the village, giving it a peripheral position in relation to the residential core. Its immediate surroundings are characterized by the transition between the residential zone and agricultural land, providing a mixed environment typical of the peri-urban areas of Alentejo.

A Historical and Community Landmark

This venue was inaugurated on June 8, 1936, as a result of the initiative and vision of the farmer José Elias Martins. Its construction, carried out at Herdade da Misericórdia, featured the project by Joaquim de Carvalho Isaac and had António Luis Mamão as the master builder. The construction of the bullring is intrinsically linked to the name of José Elias Martins, a public figure recognized for his benevolent role in the local community.

Heritage Recognition and Architecture

The Urra Bullring holds official recognition of its heritage value. It was classified as a Municipal Monument of Interest (MIM) in 2022, attesting to its historical and cultural relevance to the municipality of Portalegre. As an built structure, the site preserves its original design, intended to host spectacles and events, and continues to be used for the purpose for which it was conceived.

Size and Vocation

With a capacity of around 2,500 to 3,000 seats, the Urra Bullring stands out as one of the largest venues in the Alentejo region. This scale allows for the staging of significant events, establishing itself as a central point for cultural and traditional activities in both the locality of Urra and the municipality. The size of the building reflects the importance that the spectacles held and continue to hold for the surrounding community.

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