Whether you are looking for that little bit of fresh air,nipping out from work for a bit, looking to eat a hot bifana (or samosa if youare homesick), while downing a cold beverage and listening to live music whenin the city of Lisbon, there is one place that beckons. This little ‘hangout’overlooks the Castelo de São Jorge. It is picturesque enough to be on the frontof a postcard, but it is most assuredly existent in reality. Martim Moniz is avenue that is economically within reach of all and sundry, whether yourcurrency is the euro, rupee or the Zimbabwe dollar.
The goal of revamping the area is clearly to revitalise thelocality, while ensuring that it blends with what already exists in itssurroundings. In an attempt to bring it to life, the square was renovated witha significant amount of investment pumped into it.
Around here, there are ten kiosks that serve as restaurantsof a multicultural nature, a terrace with a capacity of 300 seats, a ‘fusionmarket’ and a cultural area. Those who pass through here can sample ‘cuisineslusas’ or tastes of various places; be they Asian, African, Japanese or Latin,with several options that serve as macrobiotic and vegetarian alternatives.
The kiosks are functional on a daily basis from 10 am to 10pm on weekdays, with an extension until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Comethe week-end, and the market extends itself in a fashion true to its title,‘Mercado de Fusão’ or fusion market from 10 am to 7 pm, with 36 stallsbelonging to traders and small businesses that integrate stores from thelocality of Bairro Alto, Baixa and PrÃncipe Real. There is a small permanentplatform that is utilised as a space for cultural activities that includeworkshops, concerts, live DJ’s, jam sessions, and film screenings.
Philip José Rebelo Pinto, the man behind the revitalisationof the Cais do Sodre, the Lx Factory and the gardens of the capital with theinitiative Outjazz, is responsible for the renovations of the square. Playinghost to the cream of Fragoleto, Manuela Rifle one of the city’s icons, MárcioHonorato’s burgers, with claims of being Lisbons best, this seems to be aproject that extends its arms to everyone, irrespective of community or age.For all of the above, it seems to afford plenty of reasons to visit this this(re)new(ed) square of the capital.
