Theatro Circo (Circus Theater), Braga

Circus Theater is a historic Portuguese revivalist theater. Designed by the architect João de Moura Coutinho, it was officially inaugurated on April 21, 1915. Over the years, it has played a significant role in Braga's cultural scene, hosting a wide range of performances, including the first talking films, operas, and various public events.

The building's architecture is characterized by Portuguese revivalist style, reflecting a blend of traditional and eclectic elements. It is rectangular in layout and consists of two adjacent structures with staggered horizontal volumes, featuring tile-covered roofs. The facades are adorned with plasterwork and painted in rose colors, resting on a sturdy granite foundation. A prominent cornice and architrave in granite crown the building.

The main entrance of the theater is flanked by sections featuring three arched doorways, each surmounted by three rectangular windows with decorative motifs on the lintels. Inside, the central foyer is a magnificent space adorned with rose, white, and gold colors. It boasts marble columns, large glass doors, and a stucco-panel ceiling painted in white, rose, and gold. This area provides access to various lounges, a bar, dressing rooms, and seating areas on the first floor, accessible via a grand staircase with black marble steps and metal/wood handrails.

The interior of Theatro Circo is richly decorated, featuring columns, intricate wall decorations, ornate floors, and elaborately designed ceilings. The auditorium is a grand and impressive space characterized by its Neo-Baroque elements and the rhythmic organization of balconies, which are highly adorned.