Café Âncora d'Ouro Piolho: The first café in Portugal?
Legend has it that Café Âncora d'Ouro (Golden Anchor) is the oldest café in Portugal. Known as "Piolho" (louse), and I hope you don't scratch, it is a cherished place in the memories of wild students and legendary professors of the University of Porto.
By: Youyi Mayora Eng
Photos courtesy of: Facebook Café Âncora d'Ouro
What stories lie behind the commemorative plaques hanging from the students of the University of Porto? Only the walls of the café and the secrets within the students' consciences could reveal them. No one knows who founded it, a strange detail that catapults it into the realm of mystery. The only certain thing is that it opened its doors in 1883 in the city of Porto. However, its history is only documented from 1909, when Francisco José de Lima acquired the business. Among the many curiosities told is that it was the first establishment in the entire city to have the fortune of electric power. Currently, the business belongs to José Martins, José Pires, and Edgar Gonçalves, who have been in charge of the Piohlo's course since 1979.
Why is it called the Piohlo?
The café has always been a meeting place for University of Porto students. And like any youth agora, the exchange of ideas, and even conspiracies (as rumors whisper), have taken place between its wooden tables with anchors carved into the backs. It is said that the nickname "Piohlo" (louse) comes from the fact that so many young students frequented it that people joked the place was full of lice. So, if not lice that cause itching, they were then university students brimming with hormones who planned countless mischiefs inside.
Centenary of the Piohlo
In 2009, the UportoAlumni Magazine of the University of Porto commemorated the centenary of the place with an article. One striking detail is that the article asserts that each faculty, depending on the field of knowledge, had its own gossip section. It's curious that the history of Café Âncora d'Ouro is only documented from 1909, which could be interpreted as the beginning of its romance with the university community. Currently, you can see an anchor with the number one hundred commemorating a century of stories, coffee, mischief, and memories. Undoubtedly, a must-visit in Porto.
