Mar d’Estórias acts as a portal to Portugal’s vibrant narratives and authentic flavours. It is a space that has become a gateway to the Portuguese soul, lying in the heart of Lagos. As it celebrates its 8th anniversary on 16 June, the enterprise continues to uncover the secrets and wonders of Portuguese culture, history and traditions, inviting all who visit to embark on a journey of discovery.
A building with centuries of transformations
Mar d’Estórias is a haven of fascinating tales, where every corner unveils a secret from the past. In 1934, when this building was still the headquarters of the volunteer firefighters of Lagos, the city witnessed the installation of the first telephone booth, where today stands a glass niche on the building’s facade.
The mezzanine, now displaying books, toys, and music, once accommodated the only resident firefighter. It has been transformed from a resting space into a cultural area.
In the current bistro, the hoses and other objects used by brave men who decided in 1932 to create the Volunteer Firefighters of Lagos headquarters have been kept. To access this room, the firefighters would have climbed through a trapdoor.
Mar d’Estórias is part of Lagos cultural scene
At Mar d’Estórias, the walls come to life through the artistic expression that fills them. From the impressive mural by Polish artist Bezt, composed during the urban art festival in Lagos in 2013 to depict the harmony between people and nature, to the most recent piece by the artist Add Fuel, the venue has evolved into the cultural and emotional representation of diversity that characterises the Portuguese spirit. Meanwhile, Add Fuel’s mural Saudade captures the prevailing sentiment during the 2020 pandemic. Mar d’Estórias, with its iconic building, also aligns with Lagos cultural scene in partnership with Associação LAC.
Our space is always open, versatile and inspiring – a place where Portuguese products are showcased as living proof of Portugal’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Rua Silva Lopes, Nº 30 8600-623 Lagos
