It all began in 1846 when a threads and fabrics company called “Companhia de Fiação e Tecidos Lisbonense”, one of the most important manufacturing complexes in Lisbon, moved to Alcântara, a quarter located on the way to Belém. Other companies moved as well to the 23.000 m2 industrial site during the golden industrial age. Alcântara was a busy place that time, but not anymore…

Now, and since 2008, a new urban fragment has been born again in one of the most industrial abandoned areas of Lisbon. If Lisbon’s metamorphosis started with the Expo98, the next step was the LX Factory – It’s a giant atelier full of galleries to discover with traditional restaurants, design shops and even concert halls. 

This new creative island in the ruins of a gigantic abandoned industrial site reminds me a little of Tacheles in Berlin. Of course, it’s not an underground place, and everything has been renewed and the buildings are not falling apart. After much work renewing the whole space, the new factory was occupied by corporations, new brands, startups and wanna-be-artists. The place is decorated with huge, colorful graffiti-style murals on the exterior walls. 

Lx Factory is a creative mini-city. From architecture to music, it’s now the home of design companies, galleries and artists studios. There are small trendy restaurants, hipster shops, visual and performing arts, music, fashion and one of the best ice creams in town. What are you waiting for? Check their agenda and get on the tram to the LX.