The heart of art

The Sá de Miranda Municipal Theatre in Viana do Castelo was inaugurated on April 29, 1885. This historic theater plays a fundamental role in the cultural life of the city.

Its construction was due to the efforts of a group of personalities from Viana who set up the Companhia Fomentadora Vianense in 1879, with the aim of constructing “a civilizing building” for the city and the region.

This theater is an “Italian-style theater”, designed by José Geraldo da Silva Sardinha, with a horseshoe-shaped audience and three orders of boxes, with a capacity (currently) of 378 seats. The original backdrop was designed by Luigi Manini and painted by Hercole Lambertini, set designers at the Teatro S. Carlos, and the ceiling, a trompe l’oeil image of the sky with portraits of playwrights, was painted by João Baptista do Rio.

Viana do Castelo City Council acquired the building in 1985, at a time when it was falling into serious disrepair.

The Teatro Municipal Sá de Miranda is the home of the Teatro do Noroeste – Centro Dramático de Viana, a professional theater company founded in 1991 with the support of the municipality and, from the outset, was granted the status of resident company of the Teatro Municipal Sá de Miranda.

This theater hosts a variety of cultural events, from theater and dance to music and children’s performances. The theater is also known for its innovative productions.

It is estimated that the Teatro Municipal Sá de Miranda, located in Viana do Castelo, is the fifth oldest active Portuguese theater, still retaining the original architecture of its construction.

For those interested in experiencing local culture, the Teatro Municipal Sá de Miranda is a must-see. Visit Viana do Castelo and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry that the Teatro Municipal Sá de Miranda has to offer.

For more information on the program and how to request the theater, visit the official website.