Four European capitals signed an agreement with the aim of creating joint strategies to preserve Historic Stores
During the month of March 2023, a municipal agreement was signed involving 4 European capitals: Lisbon (Portugal), Barcelona (Spain), Rome (Italy) and Paris (France) with the aim of jointly creating and sharing Conservation strategies for Historic Stores that integrate both the cultural heritage and the commercial heritage of these cities, which are on the route of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
This agreement, in which Lisbon is represented by the Lisbon City Council, took place within the scope of the 1st Day of Emblematic Commerce in European Cities. Representatives of the cities involved are committed to delineating common strategies, participating in (or creating) differentiating municipal policies within the scope of promoting local commerce and encouraging the professionalization of the sector. These municipalities also agree to encourage digitization, capacity building for Historic Stores, legal advice and the follow-up and monitoring of economic activity.
One of the common objectives of the four cities, in addition to those indicated above, is the creation of an international charter on Historic Stores, in which what can be classified as an emblematic establishment, that is, historic, is regulated or determined.
Remember that in Lisbon there are several historic stores in different areas. These are emblematic places, some of which date back to the 18th century.
Some examples of the oldest historic stores in Lisbon:
- Bertrand Bookstore – founded in 1732 and considered the oldest bookstore in the world
- Casa das Vellas Loreto – inaugurated in 1789
- Chapelaria Azevedo Rua – founded in 1826
- Confeitaria Nacional – founded in 1829
- Ginjinha Espinheira – opened in 1840
- Casa Havaneza – founded in 1864
- Benard Pastry – created in 1868
- Ourivesaria Leitão & Irmão – founded in 1877
- Ulisses Bookstore – opened in 1925
