The candle shop Caza das Vellas Loreto is one of the oldest shops in Lisbon.
Small shop, huge warehouse
Caza das Vellas Loreto opened in 1789 and little has changed since then. This candle shop has been in the hands of the same family for seven generations.
When you step inside the store, you will immediately smell the beeswax and before you know it you will somehow be buying beautiful candles to take back home as a souvenir.
It’s a small shop, so if there are more than 5 people inside it can get a little tight.
This is mainly because of the wooden counter. The shop clerks serve from behind this counter. They help you patiently in making a choice and if you need it they will provide meaningful advice to you.
Various shapes and types of candles are displayed in the high wooden cabinets that are all around.
Below the clock is an opening to the enormous warehouse, from the store you can take a peek inside. But it’s not possible to see everything, the building runs very deep to the back.
Handmade candles
All candles are handmade and designed. And Caza das Vellas Loreto keeps up with the times: there are scented candles and new models are introduced at the request of customers.
Light in the darkness
There used to be many candle shops in Lisbon, Caza das Vellas Loreto is the only one remaining to this day.
Caza das Vellas Loreto has always been one of the most popular candle shops in Lisbon. In the past they were responsible for supplying all street lamps in Lisbon with candles (which contained real candles that were lit manually, every night). In addition, they also provided the light in the Teatro Nacional.
Today, candles for special occasions are their core business. Religious candles, birthday candles and also holiday themed candles, for instance they have special candles for Christmas and Easter.
We couldn’t resist the temptation and took a candle in the shape of an Easter chicken with matching Easter egg with us.
Where to find Caza das Vellas Loreto
Because it’s so small, the store is easy to miss. You can find Caza das Vellas Loreto in Chiado, near Bairro Alto.
Address: Rua do Loreto 53, Chiado
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 19:00 Hours, Saturday 09:00 – 13:00 Hours and Sunday closed.
