Teatro Darymelia

Teatro Darymelia is a historic municipal theatre in Jaén, the capital of the Andalusian province of the same name in southern Spain. Standing in the city's historic centre, on Plaza de la Audiencia, it is the only surviving theatre building in Jaén from the turn of the twentieth century.

Where does the name Darymelia come from?

The theatre's unusual name has a personal origin. It combines the names of two daughters, Daría and Amelia, of Justino Flórez Llamas, the architect who designed the building. Naming a public venue after the architect's own family was an unusual gesture for the period.

How was the building constructed, and who designed it?

The building went up between 1922 and 1927 as a cinema, on land that had formed part of the former Palacio del Condestable Iranzo, a historic residence tied to one of the noble families that shaped the city's past. Flórez Llamas designed it as a grand cinema hall for the centre of Jaén.

When did it open, and what came before the theatre?

The cinema formally opened on 5 March 1943, with the English film "Eso que llaman amor" ("What They Call Love") as its opening screening. For decades afterwards, it operated purely as a cinema and became one of the city's main entertainment venues.

How has the building changed over the years?

The building's character changed decisively in the 1980s, when a renovation moved the main entrance from Calle Maestra to Plaza de la Audiencia. That is also when it stopped functioning as a cinema and became a theatre. A far more extensive restoration followed in 1992, led by architect Isicio Ruiz Albusanc, giving the building close to its present-day form.

What does the facade look like?

The facade is built of brick in the regionalist style typical of Spanish public buildings from the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Its most distinctive feature is a set of three monumental arches, above which a ceramic panel records the building's completion date and its original purpose as a cinema. Because of its historical and architectural value, Teatro Darymelia has been declared a Bien de Interés Cultural, Spain's highest level of heritage protection.

What can visitors see at Teatro Darymelia today?

The auditorium seats 300 people and today hosts theatre productions, children's shows, concerts, musicals and dance performances. The Darymelia remains one of Jaén's main cultural venues and a natural stop for visitors exploring the historic centre, within easy walking distance of the cathedral and the Santa Catalina fortress.

Frequently asked questions

Which city is Teatro Darymelia in? It is located in Jaén, the capital of Jaén province in Andalusia, southern Spain, in the historic centre near Plaza de la Audiencia.

Where does the name Darymelia come from? It combines the names Daría and Amelia, the daughters of architect Justino Flórez Llamas, who designed the building.

Was Teatro Darymelia always a theatre? No. It was built between 1922 and 1927 as a cinema, opening on 5 March 1943, and only became a theatre after a renovation in the 1980s.

How many seats does it have? The auditorium has 300 seats.

Is the building protected as a heritage site? Yes, Teatro Darymelia holds the status of Bien de Interés Cultural, Spain's top heritage-protection category.