Café Martinho da Arcada, Historic coffeehouse in Santa Maria Maior, Portugal.
Café Martinho da Arcada sits on Praça do Comércio with classical Portuguese features including whitewashed walls, expansive windows, and a decorated storefront. Inside, the space maintains the layout of a traditional café where customers can sit at tables while facing the square.
The café was founded in 1782 as Café do Gelo and originally supplied drinks and ice cream to the Portuguese royal court. It evolved into an established gathering place following the city's reconstruction after the earthquake.
The café served as a gathering place for Portugal's writers and artists, who found in its spaces a setting to discuss ideas and share their work. You can still observe this literary legacy in how the place is arranged and how visitors treat it with respect for its creative heritage.
The café sits in a busy part of the city center and is easy to reach on foot from most directions. You may find it quieter during early morning or late afternoon hours compared to midday periods.
A particular table inside the space marks where a renowned Portuguese poet had his final visit. This detail gives visitors a tangible connection to the literary moments that unfolded within these walls.
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