It is Lisbon’s opera house. Teatro Nacional de São Carlos was inaugurated on the 30th of June 1793, by Queen Mary I, in Largo de São Carlos and it was and still is the sole Lisbon theater that presents opera shows and symphonic concerts only.
This beautiful venue, designed by José da Costa e Silva, in neoclassical style with italian rococo influences, is a national monument since 1996 and it has 3 rooms.
The main room (where all the opera shows take place), the noble salon (a smaller room with a balcony where more intimate concerts occur) and the foyer (the theater’s entrance where from time to time one can see some free performances).
Great names like Maria Callas have already performed at Teatro São Carlos and up until today events that happen in this luxurious venue are sophisticated and exquisite.
However, if want to visit Teatro de São Carlos on a regular day, learn more about its history and get to know all the details of the building, there are also guided tours, that can be booked by contacting the ticket office by email or by phone.
Once a year, at the end of each season, many of the concerts and performances that took place inside the venue are also presented outside, at Largo de São Carlos. This event is called Ao Largo, usually takes place in July, during a whole month, and the entrance is free.
> Largo de São Carlos
> Metro: Baixa Chiado
> Insider tip: tickets can be a bit pricy but there are some last minute tickets that are put up for sale 2hours before designated shows with a big discount (they cost between 10€ and 20€). Ask for more information at the theater’s ticket office.
