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About this place
Theatro Circo is a historic early-20th-century theatre on Avenida da Liberdade in the centre of Braga, in the parish of São João do Souto. It remains one of the leading performing-arts venues in northern Portugal.
How did Theatro Circo come about?
The idea dates to 1906, when a group of Braga residents led by Artur José Soares, José António Veloso and Cândido Martins decided the city deserved a proper stage. Until then it had only the modest Teatro São Geraldo. Architect João de Moura Coutinho drew up the plans, and construction ran from 1911 to 1915. The building follows the pattern of Italian opera houses, seats about 1,500 and features an ornate proscenium.
When did it open?
Opening night was 21 April 1915, with Leoncavallo's operetta "La reginetta delle rose". Over the decades the stage hosted artists such as Guilhermina Suggia, Isaac Stern and Arthur Rubinstein, and the theatre was among the first places in the region to screen sound films.
Why did it close, and when did it return?
New cinemas, television and the upheavals that followed the 1974 revolution left the building in steady decline until the early 1980s. In 1987 Braga's municipality bought most of the owning company's shares, recognising its cultural and architectural value. One of the country's most ambitious restoration projects began in 1999, and the theatre reopened on 27 October 2006.
What can you do there?
The best way to see the interior is to attend a performance. The programme covers theatre, dance, music and film; check theatrocirco.com or the box office for current listings and tickets. Guided tours are also offered on selected Saturdays, in Portuguese and English, lasting around 45 minutes with limited places. Confirm dates and prices before you go.
Where is it and how do you get there?
It sits in central Braga at Avenida da Liberdade 697, within walking distance of the main sights and the railway station. Box office and contact: +351 253 203 800, [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Who designed Theatro Circo? Architect João de Moura Coutinho; it was built between 1911 and 1915.
When did it open? On 21 April 1915, with Leoncavallo's operetta "La reginetta delle rose".
Can I visit without a show ticket? Yes, guided tours run on selected dates in Portuguese and English. Check the box office or website for the schedule.
When was it restored? Restoration began in 1999, and the theatre reopened on 27 October 2006.
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