Neoclassical façade
Modelled on Lisbon.
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The João Caetano Theatre is Rio de Janeiro's oldest playhouse, opened by King John VI on 12 October 1813 as the «Royal Theatre of São João» to mark his son Pedro's fifteenth birthday. It was built with stone meant for the city's cathedral, and its neoclassical façade was modelled on the Royal Theatre of São Carlos in Lisbon; with the king a frequent visitor, it became the hub of the city's political and social life. From one of its balconies in 1821, Pedro, then prince regent, swore allegiance to the Portuguese constitution, and the square outside was renamed «Constitution Square». The theatre suffered fires and was rebuilt several times, later taking the name of the actor João Caetano, one of the fathers of Brazilian theatre. It seats about 1,139 across the stalls, the noble balcony and the upper balcony, and stages plays and music with tickets by programme. It stands on Praça Tiradentes beside the Teatro Carlos Gomes.
Modelled on Lisbon.
The constitution oath.
In the oldest theatre.
Praça Tiradentes, central Rio de Janeiro
Royal Portuguese Cabinet of ReadingThe Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, the Real Gabinete, is one of the most b1 minute walk4.9
Praça TiradentesPraça Tiradentes is one of Rio's oldest squares, carved out of the «Campo de São1 minute walk
Confeitaria ColomboConfeitaria Colombo is a historic café and pastry shop in central Rio, founded b5 minutes walk4.3
Santa Teresa Tram (Bondinho)The Santa Teresa Tram, the yellow bondinho, is a historic tram line climbing fro7 minutes walk4.4
Campo de SantanaCampo de Santana is the park in Praça da República in central Rio, near the spot8 minutes walk4.0The João Caetano Theatre, opened in 1813 as the Royal Theatre of São João.