This theatre, Europe's oldest (1601) was originally a rectangular open space. The audience sat or stood on the stone floor (still visible beneath the modern flooring). A rostrum or "balcon de las aparencias" was added, and then a roof. In 1800 it took on its current form, with an upper gallery for women (men remained below), and above this a storey composed of dressing rooms. The theatre could accomodate 700, but an audience of 150 is today's limit.