Praca do Comercio (Commerce Square), Lisbon (must see)
Commerce Square in Lisbon is a landmark of historical and architectural significance. Spanning 30,600 square meters, this plaza is situated along the Tagus River and was once the site of the Royal Palace of Ribeira, which was destroyed in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. This catastrophe also obliterated the royal archive, containing over 200,000 books and centuries of records.
The area's reconstruction was spearheaded by the Marquis of Pombal as part of his revitalization of the Baixa district. The result was a U-shaped layout with symmetrical government buildings flanking the square and opening towards the river. Its new occupants, customs and port authorities, gave rise to the square's new name 鈥� "Commerce." The design included ground-floor arcades and two towers inspired by the former Ribeira Palace.
At the center of the square stands an equestrian statue of King Jos茅 I, unveiled in 1775. The statue honors the King鈥檚 role in rebuilding Lisbon and features motifs such as an elephant, symbolizing Portugal's colonial empire.
The plaza鈥檚 northern side is marked by the triumphal Augusta Street Arch. Completed in the 19th century, this arch celebrates Lisbon's resilience with sculptures of historical figures such as Vasco da Gama and the Marquis of Pombal.
Adjacent to the square is the Columns Pier. Its marble steps once served as a ceremonial entrance to the city during Portugal鈥檚 maritime era.
Tragedy touched the square in 1908 when King Carlos I and his heir Lu铆s Filipe were assassinated here. This event presaged the fall of the Portuguese monarchy and the establishment of the Republic in 1910. Today, a plaque commemorates this pivotal moment in Portuguese history.
The western tower of Commerce Square contains a branch of the Museum of Lisbon.
The square itself is a vibrant hub of activity. Its arcades house souvenir shops, cafes, and Lisbon鈥檚 oldest caf茅, Martinho da Arcada. Commerce Square hosts annual events like Portugal Day celebrations and offers visitors a chance to enjoy views of the Tagus River, the 25th of April Bridge, and passing ships. Accessible via trams and ferries, the plaza is both a historic site and a bustling meeting point for locals and tourists.
Tip:
For a glimpse of what the square looked like before the 1755 earthquake, you can find reproductions of contemporary engravings from the 17th and 18th centuries and a modern ceramic tile mural at the Santa Luzia Viewpoint in Alfama.
The area's reconstruction was spearheaded by the Marquis of Pombal as part of his revitalization of the Baixa district. The result was a U-shaped layout with symmetrical government buildings flanking the square and opening towards the river. Its new occupants, customs and port authorities, gave rise to the square's new name 鈥� "Commerce." The design included ground-floor arcades and two towers inspired by the former Ribeira Palace.
At the center of the square stands an equestrian statue of King Jos茅 I, unveiled in 1775. The statue honors the King鈥檚 role in rebuilding Lisbon and features motifs such as an elephant, symbolizing Portugal's colonial empire.
The plaza鈥檚 northern side is marked by the triumphal Augusta Street Arch. Completed in the 19th century, this arch celebrates Lisbon's resilience with sculptures of historical figures such as Vasco da Gama and the Marquis of Pombal.
Adjacent to the square is the Columns Pier. Its marble steps once served as a ceremonial entrance to the city during Portugal鈥檚 maritime era.
Tragedy touched the square in 1908 when King Carlos I and his heir Lu铆s Filipe were assassinated here. This event presaged the fall of the Portuguese monarchy and the establishment of the Republic in 1910. Today, a plaque commemorates this pivotal moment in Portuguese history.
The western tower of Commerce Square contains a branch of the Museum of Lisbon.
The square itself is a vibrant hub of activity. Its arcades house souvenir shops, cafes, and Lisbon鈥檚 oldest caf茅, Martinho da Arcada. Commerce Square hosts annual events like Portugal Day celebrations and offers visitors a chance to enjoy views of the Tagus River, the 25th of April Bridge, and passing ships. Accessible via trams and ferries, the plaza is both a historic site and a bustling meeting point for locals and tourists.
Tip:
For a glimpse of what the square looked like before the 1755 earthquake, you can find reproductions of contemporary engravings from the 17th and 18th centuries and a modern ceramic tile mural at the Santa Luzia Viewpoint in Alfama.
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.
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Praca do Comercio (Commerce Square) on Map
Sight Name: Praca do Comercio (Commerce 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
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
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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
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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
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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
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