Povoa Casino in Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal

Description

The Póvoa Casino, opened in 1934, is the largest and most famous in Northern Portugal. Póvoa de Varzim had always been a place for illegal gambling and at one time is known to have had 17 illicit casinos. Construction started in 1930 and was modelled on the French Garnier style, Charles Garnier (1825-1898) being the architect for the Paris Opera House and the Monte Carlo Casino. The architect in this case was José Coelho. Apart from the gambling, bar and restaurant facilities the casino stages shows, and artists who have appeared include Andrea Bocelli, Julió Iglésias and Diana Ross.