CalderÓn de la Barca Theatre Casino
A stage for plays and for social life
In line with the strength of commerce, industry and agriculture of Peñaranda in the late 19th century, with time, the need arose to provide the town with a centre where theatre plays and other social gatherings could be enjoyed. A number of actions were taken in order to raise the funds to build the Calderón de la Barca Theatre Casino, "A temple where dramatic genius will have a decent place to receive the admiration of its followers", as the "La Voz de Peñaranda" newspaper put it at the time of its opening, on 15th of August, 1881.
The architect who designed it was José Secall. The main façade is decorated with medallions featuring the portraits of Tirso de Molina, Calderón de la Barca, Lope de Vega and Pedro de Alarcón y Moreto, all of the classical Spanish playwrights. Inside, the ground floor is where the theatre was, and the casino was on the top floor of the premises.
The building actually housed a theatre until 1963 and a casino until 1983. After a thorough renovation, it was opened again in 1991. These days the theatre is also a cinema and a recreational centre for the elderly.