Teatro-Cine Cardenio in Ayamonte

Teatro-Cine Cardenio is a historic theater-and-cinema building in the heart of Ayamonte, a coastal town in the province of Huelva, right on the border with Portugal. Since it was built, it has remained the town's only venue of its kind, and today it serves as Ayamonte's main cultural center.

Where did this building come from?

The idea of putting up a combined theater-and-cinema hall took shape in the early 1940s, pushed forward by Trinidad Silesio, since the town had no venue at all for public plays or film screenings. Formal permission to occupy the plot for construction was granted in April 1948, and the technical project, signed by engineer R. Moxó, is dated 28 February 1949. Construction was finished that same year, and the building's first owners were the Martín Navarro brothers.

What was the first film shown here?

The cinema opened with a screening of "Nuestra Señora de Fátima" (Our Lady of Fátima), the film that marked the start of its activity.

How long did it run as a cinema and theater?

The building served residents without interruption as a cinema and theater until the year 2000, longer than any other entertainment venue in Ayamonte. The town had once had other halls too — the Salón de Ayamonte, the Creoli Cinema and the Teatro Ibérico — but all of them eventually disappeared, leaving Cardenio as the only survivor of its category.

What changed in the year 2000?

That year, ownership of the building passed to Ayamonte's town council, which decided on a thorough renovation. Work began on 19 June 2000, and it concluded with the ceremonial reopening of the restored building on 15 February 2001.

What can visitors see there today?

Following its restoration, Teatro Cardenio became the main hub of cultural life in Ayamonte. Its program includes concerts, theater performances, dance shows, as well as local events and civic celebrations that bring together both residents and visitors to the town.

Where is it located?

The building stands in the very center of Ayamonte, a town on the Guadiana River right by the Portuguese border, known for the beaches of Isla Canela and its proximity to the Portuguese town of Vila Real de Santo António. Before visiting, it's worth checking the theater's current schedule, since the program changes with the cultural season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Teatro Cardenio located? In the center of Ayamonte, in the province of Huelva, Andalusia.

When was the building constructed? The technical project is dated 28 February 1949, and construction was completed that same year, after permission to occupy the plot was granted in April 1948.

What was the first film screened here? "Nuestra Señora de Fátima."

Until when did it operate continuously as a cinema? From its opening until the year 2000, when it passed into the ownership of the town council.

When did it reopen after renovation? On 15 February 2001, following work that began in June 2000.

What happens at the theater today? Concerts, theater performances, dance shows and civic cultural events.