Marvila and Beato - The New Coming Areas of Eastern Lisbon

Lisbon, the picturesque capital of Portugal, is renowned for its historic charm, stunning architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods. While areas like Alfama and Bairro Alto often steal the spotlight, lesser-known gems are waiting to be discovered. The eastern parishes of Lisbon, Marvila, and Beato, have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, becoming hotspots for a lot of entrepreneurs, expats, and digital nomads. In this blog post, we will unveil their secrets and tell you why you should keep an eye on these dynamic neighborhoods.

The history of Marvila and Beato

Beato and Marvila, neighboring parishes located in the eastern part of Lisbon, share a fascinating intertwined history. As with most of the eastern riverside part of the City of Lisbon, Marvila and Beato were once a bustling industrial hub with factories and warehouses dominating its landscape. The railroad and riverside ship docks made it a prime location for these factories because of the ease of transportation of raw materials and produced goods in and out. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, with the moving of factories out of Lisbon, most of Lisbon's eastern neighborhoods were forgotten, with the only exception being Parque das Nações, which was renovated for EXPO 98.

However, in the mid-2010s, Marvila and Beato, which previously were forgotten neighborhoods like the rest of Eastern Lisbon, with a mainly elderly population, suddenly changed. Lots of young artists and creative individuals saw the cheap and abandoned warehouses still standing, with their big spaces and high ceilings, as the perfect spot to set up workshops. This made Marvila and Beato evolve into a vibrant cultural and artistic hub, shedding its industrial past and embracing creativity. Simultaneously, Beato embraced innovation and technology, with the establishment of the “Hub Criativo do Beato” and the rise of many entrepreneurial ventures. This, paired with the influx of remote workers to Lisbon, made this location one of the main tech hotspots of the city.

Where is it located and how can I get there?

Marvila and Beato are located in the eastern riverside of Lisbon, right between Parque das Nações (in the North) and Santa Apolónia (in the South). Even though these neighborhoods don’t have metro stations, you can arrive by train, stopping at the “Braço de Prata” train station, or by taking one of the multiple Carris buses that pass by the neighborhoods, such as the 728 line.

The Startup and entrepreneurial scene

With the boom of digital nomads and remote workers in Lisbon, Marvila and Beato have become attractive destinations for entrepreneurs and innovation, and have both witnessed a significant rise in the startup scene in recent years.

The undeniable main driving force for this change was the “Hub Criativo do Beato”. Once a Military Maintenance Facility for the Portuguese Armed Forces, it has been renovated, modernized, and adapted into offices, coworking spaces, and other places for tech startups. This vast space is managed by the organization “Startup Lisboa”. The Hub provides incubation programs and networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and innovation. While still in renovation, part of it is already finished, and some big companies have already moved there, such as Claranet.

Talking about co-working spaces, Marvila and Beato have loads of them. A lot of the old warehouses from its industrial past have been reconverted to offices and co-working spaces. You certainly won’t have a problem finding a place to work in these areas.

Some cool places to visit in Marvila and Beato

Poço do Bispo: In the heart of this neighborhood, we have the “David Leandro da Silva” square. Surrounding this square, we have 2 buildings from the Art Deco period, with their vintage fronts.

Fábrica do Braço de Prata: Once an ammunition factory, it was reconverted in 2008 into a cultural center. It serves as a platform for both established and emerging artists, fostering creativity and promoting cultural diversity. It has an on-site bookstore where you can buy from a curated selection of books, including works from small publishers and independent authors, a restaurant and a bar, providing a space for you to relax, socialize, and enjoy a meal or a drink, and it is also common for the space to host incoming and not so well-known artists.

Convento do Beato: The convent was originally founded in the 16th century, but nowadays, it has been transformed into an events and cultural space that showcases the adaptive reuse of historic buildings. It breathes new life into the historical site while preserving its architectural heritage.

Palácio da Mitra: The palace dates back to the 18th century and was originally built as the residence of the Archbishop of Lisbon. It served as the administrative and residential seat of the Archdiocese, hence its name "Mitra," which refers to the ceremonial headdress worn by bishops.  In recent history, the palace has been partially opened to the public, allowing visitors to explore its exquisite architecture and learn about its historical significance. The palace offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the ecclesiastical authorities of the past.

Museu Nacional do Azulejo: Or in English, the National Tile Museum, is a prominent cultural institution dedicated to the preservation, exhibition, and study of azulejos, the traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles. It stands as a testament to the cultural significance and artistic excellence of Portuguese tile art. It offers a captivating journey through history, showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship of azulejos while celebrating their role in Portugal's architectural and artistic traditions.

Craft Beer Breweries: Marvila is the biggest hotspot in Lisbon for Craft Beer breweries. The most notable breweries in Marvila are “Musa”, “Lince”, “Oitava Colina” and “Dois Corvos”. Furthermore, Marvila hosts beer festivals and events that celebrate the craft beer culture. These events provide an opportunity for local breweries to showcase their beers, and for beer lovers to sample a wide range of brews in one place. If you enjoy drinking a cold one, Marvila certainly is the place to stop by.

Art galleries: Marvila and Beato are home to lots of small private art galleries and exhibitions. If you are an art enjoyer, you will find yourself at home in the Underdogs Gallery, Fábrica Moderna, or Beato-Arte.

To wrap it up, Marvila and Beato should be on your radar when you come to Lisbon. With their rich cultural offerings, thriving startup scene, and unique attractions, these areas have rightfully earned their place on the map and are a must to visit and explore if you are in Lisbon. As the city continues to evolve, Marvila and Beato stand as shining examples of transformation and revitalization, inviting explorers to uncover their secrets and embrace their vibrant spirit.