Our Story
Casa São Miguel was born in the heart of Alfama in Lisbon, in a place of great tourist interest and considerable visitor passage. Given all the delays in approval, licensing and construction, the store was only ready to open at the end of March, right in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic beginning. In a period when almost all stores closed in Portugal - and especially in Lisbon - Casa São Miguel opened its doors on a “take away” basis, serving the resident population of Alfama and the few tourists who were retained in Hotels and Accommodations Location.
The Concept
As a collector of antiques and especially of pottery and porcelain, I always believed that one day the best solution to show them and give them a practical use, would be in a store where they could have a specific function. That's how I decided to open a coffee shop that would transport us back to the 20s and 30s of the 20th century. This project came about as a result of my fascination with this period and the opportunity to not only use part of my objects and crockery collection from that time, but also to exhibit and sell some replicas of Bordallo Pinheiro’s work, of whom I am a great admirer.
Why Casa São Miguel?
Having identified the most suitable place to setup the concept, “Casa São Miguel” was born on the street of the same name and right next to a traditional niche with the aforementioned Saint. This establishment is located right next to “Largo de São Rafael”, formerly known as “Largo de Todos os Santos” and where, in the Middle Ages, it was located - according to one of the most eminent Olysipologists; Eng. Vieira da Silva - the former Jewish Quarter and its Synagogue. In fact, even today there is a “Rua da Judiaria”, which connects “Largo de São Rafael” to “Rua do Terreiro do Trigo”.
Where and how you can find us:
Casa São Miguel
Rua São Miguel no. 5 - Alfama
Lisboa - Portugal
T / +351 211 324 093
E / geral@casasaomiguel.pt