Monumental Celestino Graça bullring, building in Santarém, Santarém District, Portugal
Monumental Celestino Graça is a large bullring in Santarém built in 1964 from architect Pedro Cid's modern design. With capacity for over 13,000 spectators arranged in circular rows around the central arena, it features the typical Portuguese bullring layout with functional concrete structures built to last.
The older bullring stood on the ruins of a former convent called São Domingos and deteriorated over time, becoming too small for growing crowds. The new arena opened in 1964 as a community project funded by donations and volunteer effort, with President Américo Tomás attending the opening ceremony featuring traditional bullfights.
The arena has been connected to Santarém for nearly two centuries through the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, which organized bullfights to raise money for those in need. Its name honors Celestino Graça, a key supporter of local bullfighting tradition, showing how this place linked social care with cultural celebration.
The arena has wide entrances and exits that allow smooth visitor flow during event days. The surrounding area comes alive with food stalls, music, and gathering spaces on these occasions, offering visitors a chance to experience the local atmosphere before or after the fights.
The arena was built in less than six months starting in 1964 by construction company Alves Ribeiro, with architect Pedro Cid donating his design work free of charge. This rapid community effort shows how locals united behind the project.
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