Real Coliseo de Carlos III

This famous theatre in the municipality of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, inaugurated in 1771, has reached the present era perfectly preserved. Today it’s one of the oldest roofed theatres in our country.

Housed in a neoclassical-style building originally designed by architect Jaime Marquet, Teatro Real Coliseo Carlos III was later remodelled by the great Juan de Villanueva, who designed other buildings in Madrid as important as the Prado Museum. With a capacity to hold an audience of five hundred in its stalls, two galleries and amphitheatre, in 1918 its use changed and it was converted into a cinema until it closed in 1967. It opened its doors once more in 1979 after undergoing refurbishment works, and it is now one of the most important cultural centres in the Region of Madrid, with an extensive theatre and music programme. In 1995 it was declared a Site of Cultural Interest, in the category of Monuments.

The Real Coliseo de Carlos III also organises free dramatised visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12 Noon (limited capacity). It is necessary to book in advance via e-mail: teatro.coliseocarlos3@madrid.org. (The date and time of visits may be modified depending on the availability of the hall).