Arco da Rua Augusta (Augusta Street Arch), Lisbon
The Augusta Street Arch, located in Lisbon鈥檚 Commerce Plaza, is a historical landmark symbolizing the city鈥檚 reconstruction after the devastating 1755 earthquake. Originally envisioned as a bell tower, its design evolved into a grand triumphal arch over more than a century. The structure boasts six 11-meter-tall columns and a rich display of Portuguese historical and cultural motifs.
Atop the arch, a sculptural group symbolizes Glory bestowing laurel leaves upon Valor and Genius, alongside a bell that can be rung. The centerpiece, Glory, stands 7 meters tall, dressed in classical peplos, holding two crowns. Valor is personified by an Amazon figure with dragon-emblazoned armor, representing the Portuguese Royal House of Braganza. Genius, accompanied by a statue of Jupiter and symbols of writing and art, completes the trio. The arch鈥檚 height necessitated colossal proportions for these statues, enhancing their visual impact.
Four additional statues stand over the columns, honoring key figures in Portuguese history: the 14th-century general Nuno 脕lvares Pereira, 18th-century statesman Marquis of Pombal, Medieval Portuguese navigator and explorer Vasco da Gama, and Viriatus, a Lusitanian leader who fought against the Romans in the 2nd century BC. Reclining figures below symbolize the rivers Tagus and Douro, while inscriptions celebrate the Portuguese Empire's grandeur and achievements, including the phrase 鈥淭o the Virtues of the Greatest, so that it may serve as a lesson to all. Dedicated at public expense.鈥�
Since 2013, visitors can ascend the arch to enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon. A lift takes visitors most of the way, with additional steep stairs and stop-and-go traffic lights managing congestion. Informative displays on landings detail the arch鈥檚 history and the development of the area, including the story of an old clock.
Tip:
If you have the Lisbon Card, admission is free, and credit cards are accepted.
It's advisable to go early to avoid both the scorching heat and the crowds.
Atop the arch, a sculptural group symbolizes Glory bestowing laurel leaves upon Valor and Genius, alongside a bell that can be rung. The centerpiece, Glory, stands 7 meters tall, dressed in classical peplos, holding two crowns. Valor is personified by an Amazon figure with dragon-emblazoned armor, representing the Portuguese Royal House of Braganza. Genius, accompanied by a statue of Jupiter and symbols of writing and art, completes the trio. The arch鈥檚 height necessitated colossal proportions for these statues, enhancing their visual impact.
Four additional statues stand over the columns, honoring key figures in Portuguese history: the 14th-century general Nuno 脕lvares Pereira, 18th-century statesman Marquis of Pombal, Medieval Portuguese navigator and explorer Vasco da Gama, and Viriatus, a Lusitanian leader who fought against the Romans in the 2nd century BC. Reclining figures below symbolize the rivers Tagus and Douro, while inscriptions celebrate the Portuguese Empire's grandeur and achievements, including the phrase 鈥淭o the Virtues of the Greatest, so that it may serve as a lesson to all. Dedicated at public expense.鈥�
Since 2013, visitors can ascend the arch to enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon. A lift takes visitors most of the way, with additional steep stairs and stop-and-go traffic lights managing congestion. Informative displays on landings detail the arch鈥檚 history and the development of the area, including the story of an old clock.
Tip:
If you have the Lisbon Card, admission is free, and credit cards are accepted.
It's advisable to go early to avoid both the scorching heat and the crowds.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lisbon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Arco da Rua Augusta (Augusta Street Arch) on Map
Sight Name: Arco da Rua Augusta (Augusta Street Arch)
Sight Location: Lisbon, Portugal (See walking tours in Lisbon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lisbon, Portugal (See walking tours in Lisbon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lisbon, Portugal
Create Your Own Walk in Lisbon
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lisbon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Belem Walking Tour
Also known as Santa Maria de Belem, the district of Belem is one of the most visited in Lisbon. Situated not far from the city center, it lines the Tagus River and is the original location of Lisbon's port 鈥� the starting point of the many great voyages of discovery by Portuguese explorers, such as Vasco da Gama 鈥� departed from here for India in 1497, and Pedro Alvares Cabral 鈥� for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Lisbon Introduction Walking Tour
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking viewpoints. Its name is believed to have originated from the Phoenician term "Allis Ubbo", which means "safe harbor," reflecting the city's importance as a maritime hub since ancient times. Nestled at Europe's western edge and abundant in architectural styles, Lisbon... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Alfama Walking Tour
Alfama, the oldest district of Lisbon, spreads downhill along the Tagus River. It retains a charmingly labyrinthine layout with narrow alleys and steep streets. Under Islamic rule, this part of the city was increasingly inhabited by fishermen and the poor. The reputation of being a poor area still lives on. The name Alfama derives from the Arabic al-岣mma, which means "hot fountains"... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Sao Jorge Castle to Lisbon Cathedral Walking Tour
Spreading on the slope between Saint George's Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge) and the Tagus River, the oldest neighborhood of the Portuguese capital, Alfama, captivates visitors with its rich cultural heritage and picturesque ambiance. The area is home to numerous historical attractions and as such makes a perfect destination for a classic Lisbon walk!
Perhaps the best starting point for it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Perhaps the best starting point for it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Top 10 Cafes and Restaurants in Lisbon
Experience Lisbon as a local by enjoying typical Portuguese dishes at the best restaurants throughout the city at a price you can afford. Take away the overwhelming pressure of deciding where to eat in a city as dynamic and riveting as Lisbon by allowing this guide to suggest local restaurants with...
17 Uniquely Portuguese Things to Buy in Lisbon
Formerly a major colonial power, Portugal has accumulated great knowledge in craftsmanship. While in Lisbon, you can treat yourself to a vast variety of quality things: wines, ceramics, jewellery, leather goods, books and many more. Most shops in Lisbon open at 9 or 10am, and close in the evening at...