Quarteirão do Rossio

Contacto Atlântico had the incredible opportunity to bring back the Pombaline personality and style to a building with over two hundred years of history – an icon in our beloved downtown Lisbon!

The Quarteirão do Rossio is a prime example of excellence in urban rehabilitation, combining the preservation of historical heritage with the functional and sustainable modernization of one of Lisbon’s most iconic locations. This project stands out for its deep respect for Pombaline architecture, carefully preserving valuable elements such as historic tiles and ceiling paintings by António Lino, while adapting the space to contemporary needs, now hosting new retail and service uses.

Manteigaria União and Pérola do Rossio continue to tell their story in the Quarteirão: Pérola do Rossio still sells coffee where it always has — now surrounded by a single clothing store. Manteigaria União has been brought back to life as Castro by Zara, once again selling pastéis de nata, while allowing everyone to admire the beautiful ceiling painting featuring two putti.

The intervention fostered the economic revitalization of the area, attracting new activity and enhancing its role as a landmark within the city. The Inditex Group, through its Zara store, achieved a record-breaking number of visitors during its opening week — the highest ever.

With this project, our Lisbon, Baixa, and Rossio gain a new life — one that would make our ancestors proud, preserving our heritage while once again elevating the history of Portugal.