Joalharia Ferreira Marques wins court ruling to avoid eviction

The Lisbon Judicial Court has ruled in favor of Joalharia Ferreira Marques, a century-old jewelry store in Rossio, in a legal dispute against a real estate company seeking to terminate its lease.

The court granted the business protection under the ‘Loja com História’ (Historic Shop) status. This legal designation prevents the landlord from applying the New Urban Lease Regime (NRAU) to the pre-1990 contract, which would have allowed for gradual rent increases and a potential future eviction.

The historic establishment is noted for its Art Nouveau facade and its cultural significance, having appeared in the 1962 James Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ and in works by director Manoel de Oliveira. While the initial ruling favors the jeweler, the decision has not yet become final, and the owners of the building are expected to appeal.