Praca da Figueira (Fig Tree Square), Lisbon
Fig Tree Square in Lisbon's Baixa district embodies the city’s transformation since the catastrophic 1755 earthquake. Once the site of Lisbon’s main hospital, the area was reimagined by the Marquis of Pombal as an open-air market after the hospital's demolition. Known initially as Herb Square and later New Square, it developed into a vibrant trade hub, gradually enhanced with trees, lighting, and iron railings. By 1885, it featured an impressive 8,000-square-meter iron-covered market that became the heart of city life for over six decades until its demolition in 1949.
Modern renovations brought significant changes to the area, including the construction of uniform Pombaline-style four-story buildings that now house hotels, shops, and bustling cafés. Notable establishments like FIGUS and BASTARDO are known for their exceptional service, high-quality dishes, and innovative cocktails, attracting both locals and visitors. The introduction of the metro in the 1960s further enhanced the square’s accessibility.
In 1971, a bronze equestrian statue of King João I was installed here, celebrating the monarch's long reign (48 years—the longest in Portuguese monarch history) and pivotal role in Portugal's global expansion. Medallions on the statue honor key figures of the 1385 Revolution. During renovations in 1999-2000, the statue was moved to improve its visibility from Commerce Square.
Today, Fig Tree Square remains a lively hub with its smaller open-air Baixa Market, offering Portuguese culinary delights, beverages, and authentic merchandise. Its cafés, shops, and historical charm make it an ideal spot for a break, whether to enjoy refreshing sangria or explore the square’s enduring connection to Lisbon’s vibrant past.
Modern renovations brought significant changes to the area, including the construction of uniform Pombaline-style four-story buildings that now house hotels, shops, and bustling cafés. Notable establishments like FIGUS and BASTARDO are known for their exceptional service, high-quality dishes, and innovative cocktails, attracting both locals and visitors. The introduction of the metro in the 1960s further enhanced the square’s accessibility.
In 1971, a bronze equestrian statue of King João I was installed here, celebrating the monarch's long reign (48 years—the longest in Portuguese monarch history) and pivotal role in Portugal's global expansion. Medallions on the statue honor key figures of the 1385 Revolution. During renovations in 1999-2000, the statue was moved to improve its visibility from Commerce Square.
Today, Fig Tree Square remains a lively hub with its smaller open-air Baixa Market, offering Portuguese culinary delights, beverages, and authentic merchandise. Its cafés, shops, and historical charm make it an ideal spot for a break, whether to enjoy refreshing sangria or explore the square’s enduring connection to Lisbon’s vibrant past.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lisbon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: 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.
Praca da Figueira (Fig Tree Square) on Map
Sight Name: Praca da Figueira (Fig Tree Square)
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.
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
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 – the starting point of the many great voyages of discovery by Portuguese explorers, such as Vasco da Gama – departed from here for India in 1497, and Pedro Alvares Cabral – 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
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-ḥamma, 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
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