Old Bullring

Category: Civil Architecture > Bullring

District: Setúbal > Montijo > Colonato de Santo Isidro de Pegões > Santo Isidro de Pegões

Location

Located in the village of Colonato de Santo Isidro de Pegões, in the municipality of Montijo, this bullring is set in a wide and open landscape. Its location, in a peri-urban area and on flat ground, makes the building visually prominent. The enclosure is isolated in the centre of a large square, connected to main road axes, and its surroundings are marked by an unpaved esplanade and cobbled pavements, giving it a noticeable presence in the local landscape.

History and Cultural Heritage

Officially named Praça de Touros Amadeu Augusto dos Santos (Amadeu Augusto dos Santos Bullring), this venue was inaugurated on September 1, 1957. Its construction resulted from a significant effort by the community and various institutions, such as the Santa Casa da Misericórdia (Holy House of Mercy) and the Montijo City Council, to build a new bullfighting arena. This undertaking emerged after the demolition of the previous bullring in 1950, which was in an advanced state of degradation. The current name honours Amadeu Augusto dos Santos, a central figure in fundraising and driving this project forward, highlighting the deep connection between this space and the region's cultural and bullfighting tradition.

Modern Architecture and Its Features

The architectural project, conceived by Amadeu José Gomes dos Santos, features a functionalist and geometric approach, with the predominant use of reinforced concrete, characteristic of Portuguese construction in the 1950s. The bullring stands out for its circular and centralized plan, where the amphitheatre develops around the arena. The roof of the box area, with its wavy canopy in the centre and smooth side surfaces, is one of its most recognisable features. Inside, a circular gallery allows access to various areas. In the main vestibule, vibrant mural panels with popular paintings depicting scenes related to bullfighting can be found, while the flooring of the inner gallery features traditional Portuguese pavement, lending a local and artisanal touch.

A Hub for Meetings and Events

Beyond its original function as a stage for bullfighting spectacles, which remain a highlight, especially during the Popular Festivities of São Pedro, the Montijo bullring adapts to different cultural manifestations. Its capacity to host various events reinforces its role as an important centre of attraction and a gathering place for the community. The recognition of its cultural and patrimonial value was formalized in 2008 with its classification as a Property of Municipal Interest, attesting to its relevance as one of the city's architectural and cultural landmarks.

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