Versailles Pastry Shop

Located on the ground floor of a 1919 building — classified as Building of Public Interest — constructed by José Tomás de Sousa, its façade blends a classical style, shown in its columns of composite capital, with a baroque style of French inspiration. Inaugurated in 1922, Versailles was one of the first cafés in the area of Avenidas Novas, contributing to the neighbourhood’s social and cultural life. The Art Nouveau furniture and details, the paintings by Benvindo Ceia, the woodwork of ceilings and walls, the mirrors and marbles are all elements that customize the space, recreating the atmosphere of an European café. With the last decades of the 20th century, Avenidas Novas’ golden era fainted away and the neighbourhood dynamics changed. Confronted with this reality, which completely changed its existence, Versailles resisted the transformations of the city and its social life, remaining to this day the testimony of an era. It remains faithful to its original characteristics and persists as a remarkable and lively place within the neighbourhood.