National Theatre D. Maria II – Lisbon’s most iconic theatre

Teatro Nacional D. Maria II (National Theatre D. Maria II) has been facing Rossio square for more than 170 years.

This beautiful building, named after Queen Mary II of Portugal is one of the most prestigious theaters in Portugal and some of the best Portuguese and international actors have performed on that stage.

It has two venues, a studio of smaller dimensions and the gorgeous “Garrett venue”, honoring Almeida Garrett, the Portuguese dramatist and poet that was responsible for the construction of the Teatro Nacional D. Maria II and that worked intensely to get turn the project into reality.

The building was designed by Fortunato Lodi and it is one of the examples of Neoclassical architecture of Palladian influence in Lisbon.

Several key 19th-century Portuguese artists decorated its luxurious interior, but the decoration that we see today is not the original one. In 1964 the National Theatre burnt to the ground and had to be rebuilt – some say it was the curse of Shakespeare’s play Macbeth that took place there, just a few days before the big fire.

Besides plays and performances, the theatre has a very filled program, with concerts, exhibitions and conferences.

 

Teatro Nacional D. Maria II – National Theatre D. Maria II

> Praça D. Pedro IV

> Metro: Rossio or Restauradores

> Insider tip: once a week there there are guided tours, available in several languages, than will let you not only visit the theatre but to go backstage as well. These visits take place every Monday at 11h and they are a great opportunity to get to spaces the public usually does not have access to, like the dressing rooms and the props room. You can even buy your tickets online but, for further details, we recommend you get in touch with the theatre.