The Maria II National Theater is the most important dramatic scene in Portugal. It occupies a neoclassical building on the north side of Rossio Square. It is characterized by a facade decorated with a six-column portico with a tympanum and a statue of the writer Gil Vincent.
The theater was built in the mid-nineteenth century on the site of the Inquisition Palace destroyed by fire. It was designed by Italy, Fortunato Lodi. Represents a variation of neoclassicism, called the Palladian style. It refers to the Renaissance designs of the Italian architect Andrea Palladio.
The Theater building has a three-story facade. It is covered with a hip roof. The entrance is covered by a column portico. Ionic columns were transported from the liquidated monastery of St. Francis. The tympanum based on them is decorated with a bas-relief depicting the god Apollo and Muse. Above is the statue of Gil Vincent, a Renaissance writer considered to be the creator of Portuguese literature.
Attractions inside
