Discover Lisbon's First Drugstore: The Fascinating Story of Sol a Sol

A Historical Landmark in Lisbon

Inaugurated on December 20, 1967, Sol a Sol was the first drugstore in the Portuguese capital, often referred to as "The Carnaby of Lisbon". Nestled in the basement of a building on Avenida da Liberdade, just below the Diário de Notícias building, it became a cultural hotspot.

Founded by a group of entrepreneurs, Sol a Sol was open from 9:30 AM to 1:00 AM, a revolutionary concept for Lisbon's commerce at the time. The venue housed 33 shops, featuring everything from an optician to a florist, a shoe store to a travel agency, and even a vibrant nightclub. One standout feature was a poster shop that quickly became a favorite among the youth. The ambient music added to its charm.

Dubbed as "The drugstore of Avenida", this unique establishment captured the media's attention. Shortly after its opening, the Diário de Lisboa published an article titled "The Carnaby of Lisbon is in a basement on Avenida", drawing a parallel to London's famous Carnaby Street. However, not everyone was enamored with the place; some critics described it as resembling a "catacomb", suggesting it was not suitable for claustrophobics. Unfortunately, it closed a few years later, before the 25th of April revolution.

Nostalgic Reflections

The Sol a Sol remains a significant piece of Lisbon's retail history, representing an era of change and innovation in the city’s commercial landscape.

For more historical insights, check out:

• The Cinema and Photography according to Pathé-Baby
• The Many Lives of Restaurante Aviz
• A Century of Shows at Tivoli
• The Electric Standard by Cottinelli Telmo