Zara Rossio

Zara Rossio restores Pombaline character to a building more than two centuries old, located between Praça D. Pedro IV, Praça da Figueira, Rua do Amparo and Rua da Betesga in the Baixa Pombalina. The project reopened the block to the city with care for conservation and everyday use. In addition, it preserved elements such as historic tiles and the paintings by António Lino. Circulation routes and retail areas were reorganised to improve accessibility and continuity. Thus the ground floor connects better with the surrounding squares, and the upper levels house commercial and support functions.

Technical choices were discreet and considered. There were no increases in volume. However, selective openings were created to link spaces that had been separate. Vertical circulation and building services made use of existing areas, which preserved the lightwells and ensured natural light and ventilation. Where full conservation was not possible, the team used discreet materials in harmony with contemporary architecture.

The memory of the place endures. Pérola do Rossio still serves coffee in the same spot. Meanwhile the former Manteigaria União has been reborn as Castro by Zara, where you can buy pastéis de nata and admire the ceiling painting with two putti. The impact is clear. Retail has returned to the façades and the interiors. In this way Zara Rossio strengthens commercial life in the block and draws new visitors, adding energy to Lisbon’s city centre.