Teatre Principal

Teatre Principal is Olot's historic municipal theatre, standing on Passeig d'en Blay in the heart of the town. In December 2020 it was declared a National Cultural Heritage asset in the Historic Monument category, an official recognition of its architectural and social value within Catalonia.

How far back does the theatre's story go?

A public stage on this site, at the old Firal grounds, is recorded as early as 1769, when its takings were meant to help fund the bell tower of the Santa Maria del Tura church. As Olot grew, a bigger building went up between 1842 and 1845 to meet the demand for a proper civic venue.

What happened during the Carlist Wars?

The theatre's history was far from peaceful. In 1874, during the Third Carlist War, the building was set on fire, an act attributed to troops under Carlist general Savalls. The town council chose to rebuild rather than abandon the site, and construction of a third theatre ran from 1877 to 1887 under architect Martí Sureda i Deulovol. It opened to the public in 1887, though finishing work continued afterward.

What does the building look like today?

The façade visitors see today took shape at the turn of the 20th century, blending eclectic lines with neoclassical touches: three large arches and pediment-topped openings give it a formal presence on the street. Inside, the horseshoe-shaped auditorium typical of 19th-century theatres survives, along with three tiers of seating, a decorated foyer, and a grand main staircase. Interior decoration work continued into the 1920s.

Has the theatre always served the same purpose?

Not entirely. In 1962 it was renovated to also work as a cinema, and some of the box seating was removed to fit a larger audience. Further conservation and modernization campaigns followed in the 1980s and 1990s, and a master plan for its long-term protection and use was adopted after 2003.

Why is it worth a visit?

Teatre Principal is one of the few theatres in the Garrotxa region that has operated continuously since the 19th century, and it still hosts plays, concerts, and cultural events for locals and visitors of all ages. Its 2020 heritage listing, granted alongside the nearby Hospici d'Olot, confirmed its place among the town's most significant architectural landmarks.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Teatre Principal located in Olot? The building stands at Passeig d'en Blay (also known as Passeig del Firal) number 5, in the town's historic centre.

Who designed the current theatre building? The third and current building was designed between 1877 and 1887 by architect Martí Sureda i Deulovol, with the façade refined in the early 1900s.

Is the theatre officially protected? Yes. It was declared a National Cultural Heritage asset in the Historic Monument category in December 2020.

Is the theatre still in use? Yes, it operates as a public venue with an ongoing programme of theatre, concerts, and cultural events.