Theater of Castellón de la Plana
If you want to see what the oldest and most beautiful theater in the city looks like, you cannot miss the Theater of Castellón de la Plana, which is located on Plaza de la Paz, next to the town hall and cathedral. This is a theater that offers a rich and diverse theatrical, musical, and operatic repertoire.
The Theater of Castellón de la Plana was built in 1894 by architect Godofredo Ros de Ursinos, on the site where the old Franciscan monastery was located. It is a building of eclectic and elegant architecture, which combines elements of neoclassical, neo-baroque, and modernist styles. Its facade is divided into three parts, with the middle one being higher and protruding forward. On the ground floor, there are windows with wrought iron grates, on the first floor windows with balconies and pilasters, and on the second floor windows with arches. At the top of the facade, there is a triangular pediment with the city’s coat of arms and the inscription “Teatro Principal”. The whole is topped with a balustrade with vases and statues.
The interior of the Theater of Castellón de la Plana is richly equipped and furnished, preserving many original elements and furniture. It is worth paying attention to the beautiful stairs made of marble and wood, which lead to the upper floors. On the ground floor, there is a hall and box office, where you can buy tickets and programs. On the first floor, there is a room and foyer, where you can wait and have a drink before the show. On the second floor, there is a room and boxes, where you can admire the view of the stage and the hall.
In the Theater of Castellón de la Plana, you can also admire many artistic and cultural elements that give it charm and character. It is worth paying attention to the following objects:
- El Telón de Boca: this is a curtain that separates the stage from the hall. It is a curtain measuring 12 x 9 meters, made of silk and velvet, on which a scene from the life of the city was painted, depicting Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, the bell tower, and the town hall. The curtain was painted in 1894 by the painter Vicente Castell Doménech, and in 1999 it was restored and secured.
- El Techo de la Sala: this is the ceiling that covers the hall. It is a ceiling measuring 16 x 16 meters, made of wood and plaster, on which an allegory of art was painted, depicting the nine muses and Apollo. The ceiling was painted in 1894 by the painter José Vergara Gimeno, and in 1999 it was restored and secured.
- El Programa de Espectáculos: this is the program that the theater offers. It is a program with a rich and diverse theatrical, musical, and operatic offer, which includes both classics and modernity. In the program, you can find both works by known and recognized authors and composers, and proposals by new and original creators and groups. In the program, you can find both performances for adults and for children.
The Theater of Castellón de la Plana is not only a theater, but also a center of art and culture. In the theater, you can see how the theatrical and musical scene in the city is developing and changing. In the theater, you can also see how the artistic and architectural heritage in the city is preserved and renewed.
