Almada Square Kiosk

Category: Civil Architecture > Bandstand

District: Porto > Póvoa de Varzim > Póvoa de Varzim > Bairro Piscatório

Location

The Kiosk is located in Praça do Almada, one of the main squares in Póvoa de Varzim. This square is a central space in the city, with strong historical and cultural relevance.

Architecture

Built in 1904, the Kiosk has a hexagonal plan and is an example of iron architecture, common at the time. It presents romantic and oriental influences, visible in its dome and decorative details in cast iron.

Function

The Kiosk was initially conceived as a space for concerts, mainly by local bands, and also became a meeting point for the community. In addition to musical events, it was the stage for meetings and public discussions.

Stairway and Access

The Kiosk is accessible via a granite staircase, which faces the street, facilitating access to the performance space.

Decorative Elements

The cast iron structure that supports the roof is ornamented with geometric details, and the dome in the form of a lantern has a striking oriental style.

Historical Significance

Inaugurated in 1905 with a concert by Banda Povoense, the Kiosk quickly became a symbol of leisure and culture, especially for the local upper class.

Preservation

The Kiosk is part of the municipal heritage of Póvoa de Varzim and is protected as being of Municipal Interest. Over time, it has been the target of several interventions for its preservation.

Setting

Located in the landscaped part of Praça do Almada, the Kiosk is surrounded by buildings of traditional design and is close to other historical landmarks of the city, such as the City Hall and the Pillory.

Praça do Almada

This public space not only houses the Kiosk, but is also an important transit point in the city, with connections to various parts of Póvoa de Varzim, including the beaches and more urbanized areas.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praça_do_Almada

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt