Downtown Porto continues to be affected by the consecutive closure of historic stores. After Armazém dos Linhos was forced to move, now it’s the turn of the century-old Ourivesaria Âncora to close its doors.
Operating in the same building since it opened in 1923, on Rua 31 de Janeiro, the store ironically has to leave the premises by the end of this month, according to information provided by Jornal de Notícias (JN) and quoted by various media outlets.
All because of a hotel?
The owner of Ourivesaria Âncora since 2004 , Fernando Pato told PÚBLICO that at the end of last year he was informed by the landlord that he would have to leave.
The building we’re in is adjacent to the headquarters of the former Banco Borges & Irmão, which later became BPI. BPI sold it to another company and now, it seems, the building is going to be turned into a hotel,” Fernando Pato told PÚBLICO.
Ourivesaria Âncora plans to reopen elsewhere
Despite the news of the closure of the building, the owner of Ourivesaria Âncora is not giving up and has already promised to reopen elsewhere as soon as possible.
The store we all love will reopen soon, in a location close to the current one, with the same will, the same energy and the same welcome to those who visit us that has always characterized it,” reads an official share on the business’s official Facebook page.
A brief look at the past
Although it doesn’t belong to Porto de Tradição, this is one of the best known and oldest jewelry stores in Porto.
Within the traditional commerce offer, it has always stood out for selling used gold and silver objects, restoring and enhancing antique pieces.
Further information
Until the reopening in another location, regular customers can stop by the other store of the current owner of Âncora at Rua Fernandes Tomás, number 880 .