About us

In the kitchens of the Santa Clara Convent, the Poor Clare nuns create delicate conventual sweets that will later become part of Amarante’s culinary identity.

The Santa Clara Convent closes. Many traditional recipes disappear, while others survive through local families and small bakeries.

Alcino dos Reis is born in Massarelos, Porto, to parents originally from the Trás-os-Montes region, particularly Chaves.

At just 14 years old, Alcino moves to Amarante, where he begins building the life and work that will later shape the city’s confectionery tradition.

Alcino opens his first shop, Confeitaria Flaviense, selling regional sweets and local products in the building where the Amarante post office stands today.

Alcino marries Júlia Martins, who becomes his partner in developing the family business.

The confectionery evolves into Casa das Lérias – Confeitaria Amarantina and moves to the current building. Here Alcino also opens a small pension and lives with his family.

Alcino recovers and reinvents several conventual sweet recipes, including the pastry known as Lérias, helping reintroduce these traditions to the region.

Alcino dos Reis passes away on March 16, leaving behind a confectionery that had become closely linked to the identity of Amarante.

The historic building is carefully restored and reopens as Casa das Lérias, a hospitality house with rooms and suites overlooking the Tâmega River.

Casa das Lérias becomes part of Historic Hotels Worldwide, recognizing the building as a historic property of international significance.

The first floor sees the reopening of Lérias Doces & Café, a coffee shop that continues the tradition of sweets and hospitality once found in the original bakery.

The historic house Casa das Lérias welcomes guests from around the world in 22 comfortable rooms and suites overlooking the Tâmega River – a place where new stories are written by the river.