Gran Teatro Cervantes — Attraction in arrondissement de Tanger-Medina طنجة المدينة

🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦 🇪🇦🇪🇦🇪🇦 The Cervantes Theatre in Tangier, also known as the Gran Teatro Cervantes, is one of the most prominent cultural and historical landmarks in the Moroccan city of Tangier. This theatre carries a rich legacy, reflecting a significant era in the city's history as an international zone and a hub for cultural exchange. Establishment and Golden Age Beginnings: The foundation stone for the Cervantes Theatre was laid on April 2, 1911, and it officially opened in 1913. The theatre was built on the initiative of the Spanish couple Manuel Peña and Esperanza Orellana, who arrived in Tangier in 1903. Distinctive Design: Designed by the Spanish architect Diego Jiménez Armstrong, the theatre's design was characterized by its blend of European grandeur and aesthetic elements. With a capacity of 1,400 seats, it was one of the largest and most renowned theatres in North Africa at the time. Golden Age: The theatre experienced its golden age during the 1950s, when Tangier was an international zone. It hosted sophisticated international artistic performances, including opera, music, and theatre. World-renowned artists like the famous opera singer Enrico Caruso performed on its stage, along with flamenco troupes and both Arab and Moroccan musical groups. Period of Neglect and Transfer to Moroccan Ownership Decline: After Morocco's independence and the end of Tangier's international status, the theatre's prominence gradually declined. From being a vibrant center of art and culture, the theatre was closed in the 1980s and began to suffer from neglect and deterioration, transforming into a semi-abandoned and dilapidated building. Rescue Efforts: For decades, there were calls and initiatives from cultural figures and civil society organizations in Tangier and Spain to rescue and restore the theatre, given its immense historical, architectural, and cultural value. Transfer of Ownership: After years of negotiations, an agreement was reached to transfer ownership of the Cervantes Theatre from the Spanish state to the Kingdom of Morocco. This transfer was officially completed on March 1, 2023. This agreement stipulated Morocco's commitment to restoring, rehabilitating, and managing the theatre while preserving its architectural and historical identity and its original name. The Future Through reclaiming the theatre, Morocco aims to revive this artistic and cultural landmark, transforming it into a vibrant center for art and creativity in Tangier. This will contribute to enriching the city's cultural scene and enhancing its status as a cultural hub. Restoration and renovation work has begun at the theatre, and this historic edifice is expected to regain its splendor and brilliance to reopen its doors to the public, thus continuing its artistic and cultural mission that began over a...

The construction was led by Esperanza Orellana, her husband Manuel Peña and the owner Antonio Gallego. The first stone was laid on April 2, 1911, in a solemn ceremony, and was completed in 1913, the year of its inauguration. Its capacity is 1400 seats. Gran Teatro Cervantes is a theatre, dedicated to Miguel Cervantes, in Tangier, Morocco. The theatre was built in 1913 by the Spanish and has undergone little renovation in the exterior, noted for its dilapidated Art Deco facade. The theatre is accessible via the Avenue Pasteur and Rue du Prince Moulay Abdallah. The theatre was once considered one of the most prestigious in North Africa and notable singers and dancers performed here. Restoration to the theatre has been delayed due to disputes between the city officials and the...

Spain, which owned the building recently sell to Morocco what was once the prestigious theater in North Africa, and this masterpiece of architecture and cultural fame of Tangier of 30's. 103 years old theater would probably have fallen down by now if Spain, had not spent some 300,000 euros 10 years ago to carry out urgent repair work on the roof and to strengthen part of the structure. Some tourists wrote it's possible to get in, that there is a keeper, that can allow you to see the interior, but i wasn't so lucky.. Anyway, still very beautiful building, specially the Art Deco facade. It was shut down finally at 1974, and it seems there are plans for renovate it in...