The Historic Café Martinho da Arcada is a Myth in the history of Lisbon. It is linked to the Portuguese arts and letters, as it was the favorite place of famous writers and intellectuals, such as Afonso Costa, Manuel da Arriaga, Bernandino Machado, and Antonio Borges.

However, the Martinho da Arcada is worldwide famous as the favorite Cafe of the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa. According to written sources Pessoa chose to meet friends, and enjoy his coffee at Martinho da Arcada until a few days before his death on 30 November 1935.

Fernando Pessoa worked and lived in Lisbon and he wrote pieces of his work in a specific table at Martinho da Arcada after closing time. This table with Pessoas memorabilia and his book “Mensagem” is forever “reserved” for the famous poet. And it’s one of the most photographed spots in Cafe.

Read also: Luís Machado, Head of the Portuguese Writers Association, becomes an HCR Member (Video)