EmbaiXada: art, architecture and Portuguese products

In the heart of the delightful Príncipe Real district lies the impressive Palácio Ribeiro da Cunha. Since 2013, EmbaiXada has been located here, a place that should be high on your Lisbon bucket list. Strictly speaking, you could call EmbaiXada a shopping center, but that doesn’t do it much justice. On their website they speak of a commercial gallery and that sounds much better. Everything inside and outside is a form of art.

Neo-Arabic

The prosperous merchant José Riberia da Cunha is the one who ordered the construction of this neo-Arabic style property in 1877. The architect was Henrique Carlos Afonso. The Arabic elements are unmistakably present both outside and inside. The four domes at the corners, the horseshoe arches around the windows and doors, and the refined decoration of the balconies are good examples.

Gin Lovers

The most eye-catching is the terrace of Gin Lovers. This is a bar, restaurant and shop where, as you’d expect, it’s all about gin. There are more than sixty different gins to taste, including non-alcoholic ones. You can come just for a drink, or combine your gin cocktail with tasty Portuguese dishes. Either way, the décor is beautiful, with the Arabic atmosphere surrounding the terrace.

From cosmetics to sneakers

Amidst the architectural beauty, less than twenty exclusive brands offer their products. Design, craft, fashion and Portuguese culture are central. The brands and makers are all Portuguese, such as the fantastic Ecolã that makes bags, clothes and blankets from wool from the Bordaleira sheep in the Serra da Estrela. Or the Castelbel brand from Porto, which is internationally known for its luxury soap. In the corridors you come across interesting art works by Portuguese artists.

Practical

• You can find EmbaiXada at Praço do Príncipe Real in Lisbon’s Príncipe Real neighboorhoud
• Don’t miss the fantastic Juniperus tree in the same square.
• Every Saturday morning there is an organic market in front of EmbaiXada
• On the last Saturday of the month and the following Monday, the square is dedicated to the antiques and craft market.

More Lisbon