Viterbo Interior Design Ateliers - Pastéis de Belém - One of Lisbon’s Most Iconic Bakeries Reimaged by Renowned Designer Gracinha Viterbo - Lisbon - Portugal

2025-11-05

Viterbo Interior Design Ateliers was honored to be invited to design a new space for the world-renowned Pastéis de Belém (Portuguese egg tarts), a Lisbon institution since 1837.

This new retail area, located beside the original shop, was conceived to complement the historic space and respond to the ever-growing number of visitors who travel from around the world to experience this national treasure. Designed by Gracinha Viterbo, the project reflects her signature balance between timeless elegance and modern sensibility, while honoring the brand’s deep heritage and identity.

The new interior evokes the artisanal essence of Portuguese tradition, while introducing a contemporary architectural language that feels both familiar and refreshing. Light oak woods, handmade tiles, and textured lime plaster walls were combined to create a space that feels warm, authentic, and timeless. The lighting concept was carefully developed to highlight the craftsmanship of the finishes and to evoke the gentle glow of Lisbon’s afternoon light.

The layout was meticulously planned to optimize flow, ensuring visitors can enjoy a smoother experience as they purchase their pastries or coffee while remaining connected to the charm of the original space. The design creates a dialogue between eras — a conversation between the heritage of the past and the creativity of the present.

Attention to detail defines every corner: bespoke counters and shelving were designed to integrate functionality with beauty, while subtle brass accents add sophistication without overpowering the simplicity of the materials. The brand’s iconic blue and white tones are reinterpreted in contemporary textures and patterns, maintaining the soul of the original while expressing a renewed identity.

Beyond aesthetics, the project celebrates a philosophy deeply rooted in the Viterbo ethos — design as emotion, storytelling, and connection. Every surface and proportion was thought to engage the senses, transforming a visit to Pastéis de Belém into an experience of discovery and belonging. The project reflects the studio’s broader vision: to elevate Portuguese heritage through contemporary craftsmanship and timeless design language.

This new space also acts as a prelude to what’s to come. In 2026, Viterbo Interior Design Ateliers will lead the full redesign of the flagship store, a project that will reinterpret the brand’s legacy while creating an environment that speaks to a global audience. The forthcoming redesign aims to preserve the charm and authenticity of the original shop while enhancing its functionality, flow, and aesthetic coherence with the new retail space.

Blending tradition and modernity, the new space pays tribute to Portuguese craftsmanship through carefully curated materials, bespoke detailing, and an atmosphere that enhances the customer experience, all while safeguarding the essence of one of Portugal’s most beloved cultural landmarks.

About Viterbo Interior Design Ateliers

Founded in Lisbon in 1979, Viterbo Interior Design Ateliers is a second-generation, family-led studio internationally acclaimed for its bespoke, high-end interiors. Guided by the creative vision of Gracinha Viterbo and the strategic direction of her husband, Miguel Vieira da Rocha, the atelier is celebrated for its ability to blend craftsmanship, emotion, and timeless aesthetics into spaces that are both deeply personal and enduringly elegant.

Recognized as a master of style, Gracinha Viterbo possesses a rare ability to reinterpret each project according to its geographic location, architectural context, surrounding landscape, and the client’s lifestyle. Her work transcends trends, transforming diverse environments — from historic villas to contemporary urban homes — into spaces that resonate with authenticity, soul, and a sense of place.

With a legacy spanning over four decades, Viterbo has become a benchmark in Portuguese design and craftsmanship, creating projects across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Each project tells a unique story — where heritage meets innovation, and where tradition is elevated through contemporary design. Renowned for its turnkey approach, the atelier manages every stage of the process, from creative concept and technical detailing to final installation, ensuring coherence and excellence at every step. Through this meticulous attention to detail, Viterbo continues to redefine the essence of modern luxury — creating soulful, human-centered environments that celebrate art, culture, Portuguese design, and the beauty of craftsmanship.

Photo credit: Viterbo Interior Design Ateliers- Photo: Francisco Almeida Dias