Rivoli Theatre, Art Deco theatre in Santo Ildefonso, Portugal
Rivoli Theatre is a cinema and performance venue in Art Deco style, located on Praça Dom João I in central Porto. The building has an ornate facade and interior spaces that serve both film screenings and stage productions.
The building opened in 1913 as the Teatro Nacional, serving as a stage venue from the start. In 1923, architect Júlio Brito led renovations that brought cinema screenings into the programme alongside live performances.
The Rivoli is a place where people from Porto go to see dance, music, and theatre on a regular basis. The Art Deco facade makes it easy to spot from the square, and the interior shifts between a cinema hall and a stage depending on the event.
The theatre sits directly on Praça Dom João I in the city center, with the entrance clearly visible from the square. Arriving a little early is a good idea, especially during film festivals or popular evening performances.
Every February, the Rivoli becomes the main venue for Fantasporto, an international fantasy film festival that draws filmmakers and cinema fans from many countries. Screenings during this time tend to fill up weeks in advance, which is unusual for a regular repertory cinema.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
