The Creative Oasis of Lisbon
Walking through any city in Europe is like walking through history: every church, street, and neighborhood has a story from the past. Portugal's hilly coastal capital, Lisbon, is no different. From the Alfama district to Belem- every street, tile, and statue tells a story of what the city was like or what it had been through. Rich history remains present in Portugal's capital, however, practices of gentrification in the city has led to many infrastructural renovations. As you may experience such modern spaces, you might have the chance to make your way to the industrial complex, The LX Factory, a hip cultural space which clings to its historical roots while providing a modern feel.
Originally built as a thread and fabric company called Companhia de Fiação e Tecidos Lisbonense in 1846, it was an important space for manufacturing in the city, however, when the thriving fabric industry took a massive hit in the 1990s, it became completely abandoned. Despite a few renters, the space was relatively empty until 2008 when it got a complete transformation into a more modern space open for creativity in all its forms. The space now offers food, art, furniture, tattoos, jewelry and more, all made and sold by local designers, bakers, and artists.
Image Credits: Jada Steuart
All the spaces showcase the creative businesses of Lisbon, whether it be the delicious cakes at Landeau or the beautiful (and sustainable) clothes from BEWEAR, every store, restaurant and mural showcase the creativity of the city and its locals. It's not only a place to shop, it's also a place where you can enjoy excellent dining from restaurants like Kiss the Cook, offering traditional Portuguese food made and prepared by the customers (with guidance of course!). Here, you can learn how to make your dish and then eat it, all provided with multiple glasses of wine. If you are looking for a less hands-on experience, there are multiple bars like RIO MARAVILHA, a rooftop bar with a beautiful view. Or, Cafe Na Fabrica, also offering good drinks with a beautiful veranda on the outside.
Image Credits: Jada Steuart
Just walking through the streets is an experience, all the walls are covered in murals and graffiti. From the highest building to the smallest wall, the streets are covered in beautiful and interesting paintings that truly bring the streets to life.
Image Credit: Jada Steuart
What is interesting about LX Factory is how it incorporates development through urban planning while keeping original elements of the buildings. The buildings and the streets remain looking like post-industrial spaces, however, what has changed is the exterior of the buildings. The restaurants, shops, and offices have made no grand renovations on the outside but have made the necessary changes to the inside, fitting their particular needs. An example of this would be the Ler Devagar, known as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, which has mostly concrete and metal structures but is redefined by the books and their arrangement. The sculptures (such as the woman on her bike that hangs in the middle of the shop) and the design of the two bars inside have created a completely different space than its original interior. Many of the shops have changed their respective spaces in a similar way, not changing the structure but making changes within it. Thus, the space has changed mostly in its meaning, while much hasn't changed physically, the once-abandoned factory lot now provides a space for the local designers and artist to sell their goods to both locals and tourists visiting.
Image Credit: Flickr/ Frances Ellen
The LX factory is definitely one of the highlights of Lisbon, it offers a place for the locals to be creative and spend their time while also allowing a space for tourist to see the creative side of the city and enjoy the many different activities it offers. Great food, art, and goods aside, the LX Factory is a really interesting way to look at urban planning and if ever in Lisbon, it’s a must see.
