The Teatro Nacional D Maria II is one of the premier theaters in Lisbon, capital of Portugal. This historical theater is situated at Rossio square, in the center of Lisbon. It is among the most prestigious venues in Portuguese where different forms of art and cultural activities are held.
History of Teatro Nacional D. Maria II
The theater was constructed approximately in 1450 on the northern part of Rossio Square. It was built on the site of the old Estaus Palace. During that period it was built to cater to the lodging requirements of the foreign dignitaries and noblemen who visited Lisbon. The Estaus Palace developed into a seat of the Inquisition in the 16th century. The palace was not destroyed by the Earthquake of 1755 but was ruined by fire in the year 1836.
The Romantic poet and dramatist Almeida Garrett, took serious efforts and replaced the old palace by building a modern theater that was devoted to Queen Mary II of Portugal. Between 1842 and 1846 the modern building
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was constructed by the Italian architect Fortunato Lodi following the Neoclassical style of architecture. After its complete renovation, the theater was opened in 1978.
Architecture of Teatro Nacional D. Maria II
The building of Teatro Nacional D. Maria II is the finest example of Neoclassical style of architecture. There are many facades with six Ionic columns that have been used again from the Saint Francis Convent of Lisbon. It has a triangular pediment, whose tympanum is adorned with relief depicting Apollo and the Muses.
A statue of Renaissance play writer Gil Vicente has been placed on the pediment, who is considered is as the founder of Portuguese theater. The internal beauty of the theater was enhanced by displaying works of art of many 19th-century Portuguese artists. But a number of these paintings were destroyed in the fire of 1964.
The construction of Teatro Nacional D Maria II has been a major cultural achievement of Portugal and today it is one of the top tourist attractions of Lisbon.
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