Updated on 5 September 2024
Original article published on 18 July 2018
Wondering what shops with history and tradition we’re talking about? And why they’re environment-friendly? We’ll tell you all about it in this article.
It was in the 1990s that a structured system for recycling packaging, glass, and paper began to be implemented in Portugal. Today, many other types of waste can be recycled, and the population is more aware of the importance of this practice. However, the current concern is meeting the targets set by the European Union, which, according to Sociedade Ponto Verde, we are still falling short of achieving.
This information reminded us that… in addition to recycling, reducing the amount of waste we produce ISN’T ANY LESS IMPORTANT!
The large-scale production of objects of low commercial value allowed our attitude of buying-consuming-discarding.
The speed with which the objects are discarded isn’t proportional to its recycling, drastically increasing the waste production!
Have you ever considered that some clothing items can be repaired or repurposed before we decide to drop them in the clothing donation bin? And that many items can have their lifespan extended? Even our children’s toys can be fixed and reused, instead of being discarded as waste!
Get to know Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods in a guided tour and discover unmissable places of this magnificent city.
The 3 Shops with History and Tradition
Perhaps we can go back to the time when we’d go to the cobbler, seamstress or to the houses where we had certain leather goods repaired.
We take advantage of the global concern with the environmental preservation to present to our readers 3 shops with history and tradition in Lisbon that help us preserve the environment.
They are the Hospital de Bonecas, the Casa Forra and the Hospital das Camisas! They are spaces very closely located to each other, in the heart of Pombaline downtown.
The first two shops have been recognized by the Projecto Lojas com História (Project Lisbon Historic Shops) initiative promoted by the Lisbon City Council and the Comércio com História (Commerce with History) program under Portuguese legislation, both aimed at preserving and safeguarding traditional businesses, along with their material, historical, and cultural heritage. The last one, however, no longer exists, but it is still important to know about.
getLISBON offers a tour that lets you discover Lisbon from a unique perspective, exploring the city’s traditional shops.
“Lisbon Through Its Traditional Shops” Walking Tour
In this tour, guided by the sociologist and deep connoisseur of Lisbon, Guilherme Pereira, we will explore the oldest establishments around Rossio that have stood the test of time. Come and discover their rich history, admire their façades and unique decorations, and experience the enduring charm of a timeless Lisbon. You will surely be surprised!
We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to email us at [email protected] to book your private walking tour in English or French.
We start with the oldest of the 3 shops with history and tradition:
Hospital de Bonecas (The Doll Hospital)
Miss Carlota would make rag dolls while she waited for the customers of her herbal shop that was right next to the now extinct Praça da Figueira Market. She then started fixing the broken dolls that children would take to her when they went to the market with their parents. The Hospital de Bonecas was thus born, functioning since 1830.
Today, in addition to “curing” ill dolls, the Hospital de Bonecas is an authentic space of many kinds of crafts.
Not only dolls are repaired, but also soft toys, mechanical toys, porcelain, paintings and even religious art.
It makes and creates all types of clothes for dolls and images and more. It is also possible to order Carnival costumes and traditional Portuguese costumes for children.
On the ground floor is the shop where you can purchase all the pieces to complete your dream miniature house. They even have replicas of tin toys and old games.
And on the first floor of the building is the magical Museum with an immense collection of dolls and toys from various eras and origins.
This surprising space deserves a more attentive and prolonged visit.
Address: Praça da Figueira, 7, Lisboa
Casa Forra
The Casa Forra was founded in 1930 by Alfredo Pires Forra and his wife Judite and is situated in Poço do Borratém since 1947. It is a house specialized in items for shoemakers and cobblers where you can find everything necessary to the practice of this craft.
After all these years, the emblematic shape of a giant yellow shoe remains hanging, being placed and removed daily as if it were a ritual.
Nowadays, the customers of this establishment are quite diversified: the usual shoemakers/cobblers, but also artisans or any of us, moderately skilled, that with creativity dare to renew, reuse, and recycle.
Here you can find the most amazing materials for your ideas. There are paints, greases and glues, rubber and leather, push-buttons and shoe machines among a countless amount of items.
In addition to selling materials in stores and online, Casa Forra repairs and alters leather garments as well as bags, among other items.
But the most valuable thing here is the advice that the workers of this house give us, with professionalism and attention.
Address: Poço do Borratém 32, Lisboa | Rua Saraiva de Carvalho 145 D, Lisboa
Hospital das Camisas
In 2018, when this article was first written and published, the Hospital das Camisas (directly translated to Hospital of the Shirts) was still in operation at 25 Poço do Borratém. Unfortunately, it has since closed its doors and can no longer contribute to a less wasteful environment. However, its story deserves to be told, remembered, and shared.
The name of this establishment reveals to us its activity.
This is a family business that has been active for around 70 years in a small but equipped atelier. The customer is served with sympathy and dedication by the current owner Mr. José Aguiar that offers his wise pieces of advice of more than 50 years of experience in this craft.
Here you can renew your shirts by substituting the collars and cuffs to extend their lifespan. Or you can simply give them a new style, opting for collars and cuffs different to the original ones. And you’re wrong if you think this service is expensive!
The Hospital das Camisas also alters and repairs clothes and produce men’s shirts, Rovil. They have a range of fabrics to choose from, but the customer is equally welcome with fabrics from other establishments.
Its curious name was suggested by one of the customers and humorously adopted by its owner. And speaking of clients, here have been famous personalities like the journalist Fernando Pessa, the presenter Artur Agostinho or even the President of the Portuguese Republic Marechal Costa Gomes.
Even though you can no longer visit the Shirt Hospital, there are countless workshops throughout the city, including in the Baixa, that are skilled in carrying out sewing repairs. We’d also like to inform you that there’s a cobbler next to Casa Forra, a trade that’s becoming increasingly rare.
After reading this, did you remember that you have some clothing items, leather goods, or even that old toy you can’t part with but that’s no longer in the best condition?
If so, it’s already worthwhile that we made you think about renewing and reusing to reduce waste, contributing to a better environment. And it’s certainly worth exploring the Baixa to discover shops with history and tradition that have stood the test of time and continue to offer valuable services to their customers.
We suggest reading the article The Shops of Chiado and Baixa by Guilherme Pereira, published in our getLISBON invites series.
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