Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Neo-classical square
- Surrounded by elegant arcades
Time required: 15 minutes
Public transport:
- Metro Line Blue: Baixa-Chiado station
Address: Praça de Comércio, 1100 Lisbon
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: cercamon
Things you need to know:
- Commerce Square is Lisbon's main plaza on the bank of river Tejo with a broad riverfront
- Elegant arcades surround the square on three sides. They were built after the Great earthquake of 1755. More than 100.000 people died in the catastrophy
- The bronze statue in the middle pays homage to King José (1750-77) for rebuilding the city
- King José was an ineffectual king. Marquęs de Pombal held the true power and was the real man behind the reconstruction
- Arco do Triunfo (Triumph Arch) marks the entrance to the buzzing Rua de Augusta, a pedestrian street in the Baixa neighborhood
- Pombal erected the original arch after the Great earthquake. After his dismissal the arch was torn down. A new arch was put in place 100 years later in 1873
- The figures on top of the arch represent Glory, Genius, and Valor
What to do there:
- Walk around the square and take a look at the statue of Dom Jose I and to the Triumph Arch
- Enjoy the view over the river Tagus (Rio Tejo)
Tips & Insights:
- Pick up information and tourist discount cards from the Lisbon Welcome Center
- Several sightseeing tour buses, trams, and buses also stop here
