Zara Rossio restores Pombaline character to a building over two hundred years old, located
between Praça D. Pedro IV, Praça da Figueira, Rua do Amparo and Rua da Betesga, in the
Baixa Pombalina district. The project reopened the block to the city, with careful attention to conservation and everyday use. It also preserved elements such as historic tiles and the
paintings by António Lino.
Project Name: Zara Rossio
Studio Name: Contacto Atlântico
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Date of Completion: 2023
Circulation routes and retail areas were reorganised to improve accessibility and continuity. As a result, the ground floor now relates more effectively to the surrounding squares, while the upper floors accommodate commercial and support
functions.
The technical solutions were discreet and carefully considered. No additional volume was
added; however, selective openings were introduced to connect spaces that had previously
been separated.
Vertical circulation and building services made use of existing areas,
preserving the light wells and ensuring natural lighting and ventilation. Where full
conservation was not possible, discreet materials were used in harmony with the
contemporary architectural interventions.
The memory of the place remains intact. Pérola do Rossio continues to serve coffee in the
same location. Meanwhile, the former Manteigaria União has been reborn as Castro by
Zara, where visitors can buy pastéis de nata and admire the ceiling painting featuring two
putti. The impact is visible: commercial activity has returned to both façades and interiors. In this way, Zara Rossio reinforces the commercial life of the block and attracts new visitors, contributing to the vitality of Lisbon’s city centre.
