The history of perfumery in Portugal dates back to ancient times when perfumes were used as offerings to the gods and for therapeutic purposes. Over time, perfumery became a refined and sophisticated art, and Portugal played an important role in its development.
During the 15th century, Portuguese perfumery flourished, especially in Lisbon, where perfumes were produced from exotic ingredients brought by Portuguese explorers from their travels around the world. The perfumery industry continued to grow over the following centuries, with several famous perfume houses such as Ach. Brito and Claus Porto becoming known for their high-quality products.
Today, niche perfumery in Portugal is a growing sector with several local brands creating unique and sophisticated fragrances, often inspired by Portuguese history and culture. This post will explore the history of perfumery in Portugal in more detail, from its origins to the present day, and highlight some of the country’s most notable niche perfume brands.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal played an important role in the history of perfume by establishing trade routes to bring exotic ingredients from around the world to Europe. The Portuguese brought back rare and precious materials such as sandalwood, myrrh, and frankincense from India, Africa, and the Middle East, which greatly influenced the development of European perfumery.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Portugal became an important producer of eau de cologne, which was exported to countries such as Brazil and Angola. The famous perfume house, Ach. Brito, was founded in 1887 and is still in operation today, producing traditional Portuguese soaps, colognes, and fragrances.
Today, Portugal continues to be a hub for perfume production, with a number of niche fragrance houses such as Next Memory, Comporta Perfumes, La Manufacture, and Castelbel. These perfumers draw inspiration from Portugal’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, creating unique and captivating scents that capture the essence of this beautiful country.
Lab at the Next Memory studio on 187 São José street, Lisbon.
Our atelier in Lisbon on Rua São José nº 187 is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the art of perfumery. Our space is dedicated to creating unique and exclusive fragrances that embody the essence of Portugal. Our experienced perfumers guide visitors through the process of creating their own signature scent using only the finest ingredients and techniques.
In addition to workshops and personalized consultations, our atelier also features a boutique where visitors can explore and purchase our exclusive fragrances and a range of other high-quality perfumes and scented products. Whether you’re a fragrance enthusiast or just looking for a unique and memorable experience, we welcome you to visit our atelier and immerse yourself in the captivating world of perfumery. Join us on Rua São José nº 187 for an unforgettable olfactory journey.
