Café A Brasileira

Café A Brasileira is a historic café located in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. Established in 1905, it is one of the oldest and most famous cafés in the country, known for its unique Art Nouveau design and its association with several notable figures in Portuguese literature and arts.

History

Café A Brasileira was opened in 1905 by Adriano Telles, a Portuguese businessman who had previously lived in Brazil. The café was initially a shop selling "genuine Brazilian coffee" - hence the name "A Brasileira", which means "The Brazilian Woman" in Portuguese. Over the years, it evolved into a café and became a popular meeting place for intellectuals, artists, and writers.

Architecture

The café is renowned for its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture. The interior features carved wood panels, mirrors, and brass fittings, while the exterior is adorned with a beautiful façade and a bronze statue of the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, who was a regular customer at the café.

Cultural Significance

Café A Brasileira has played a significant role in Portuguese cultural life. It was a favorite haunt of many prominent figures in the Portuguese literary and artistic scene, including Fernando Pessoa, Almada Negreiros, and Mário de Sá-Carneiro. Today, it continues to be a popular destination for both locals and tourists, who come to enjoy its historic atmosphere and traditional Portuguese pastries.

See Also

• History of Lisbon
• Café culture in Portugal
• Fernando Pessoa