Number 112 Rua de Santa Catarina is home to the café Majestic. The café is connected to the history of the Porto of the twenties and the tradition of café discussions where politicians, writers and intellectuals would meet and find the time to discuss ideas. The luxurious establishment opened for business on 17th December 1921 under the name Elite. However, the following year it was rebaptised the Majestic, a name it has since maintained. It was its architect João Queirós who created the refined atmosphere of a chic café, in keeping with Parisian styles of those times. A true example of the café-cum-talking shop, this was where the intellectual elite, and so many others who contributed to the artistic and cultural heritage of Portugal.
As from the 60s, changes in the patterns of life meant the decline of such establishments and the Majestic proved unable to escape the trend. However, its original beauty and significance to the city of Porto gained it classification as "property of public interest" and "cultural heritage". Hence, in 1994 it reopened in all its former splendour with its original Art Nouveau design of Antwerp crystal, the floor in Indian marble and all its lovely finishings and fine detail of its decoration. Naturally, there is a piano and a Winter garden inviting you to relive that fascinating "Belle-Époque".
This is the kind of refined atmosphere, with poetry readings, piano concerts, painting exhibitions and book launches, that the Café Majestic creates for your visit. |