Praça do Comércio
A vast yellow arcaded square facing the Tagus. The Rua Augusta Arch offers a rooftop view over the Baixa, and the square symbolises Lisbon's rebuilding after the 1755 earthquake.
Praça do Comércio was once the site of the Ribeira Palace, which is why locals still call it “Terreiro do Paço” (Palace Square). After the 1755 earthquake and tsunami destroyed the palace, the Marquis of Pombal rebuilt the site as a U-shaped square, enclosed on three sides by yellow arcaded buildings and open to the Tagus on the south. At roughly 36,000 square metres, it is one of Europe's largest squares. A bronze equestrian statue of King José I stands at its centre. The Rua Augusta Arch on the north side, completed in 1873, is topped by a sculptural group of Glory crowning Genius and Valour. You can take a lift and then stairs to the top (about 4.5 euros) for views of the straight Rua Augusta pedestrian street, Rossio Square and São Jorge Castle. On the south side, the two stone columns at the riverfront quay (Cais das Colunas) were where royalty and distinguished guests once landed. Sitting on the steps to watch the river and the 25 de Abril Bridge is a daily ritual for locals.
Under the arcades are the Martinho da Arcada café, open since 1782 and a favourite of Pessoa, the Lisboa Story Centre, and a wine tasting room run by the wine promotion body ViniPortugal, where a few euros buy tastings of several wines. King Carlos I was assassinated here in 1908, marking the end of the Portuguese monarchy. The square is a hub for ferries, trams and metro: the Terreiro do Paço station on the blue metro line is right by the exit, trams 15E to Belém and 28E to Alfama pass nearby, and ferries from the opposite bank go to Cacilhas for views of the Lisbon skyline and the giant Christ statue. The square is free and open all day. In summer, however, there is little shade at midday, so it is best to come before evening.
Opening hours
Open all day; Arc de Triomphe viewing deck 10:00 am–7:00 pm (until 8:00 pm in summer)
Nearby sights
- Rua Augusta Arch
- Lisbon Cathedral
- Tram 28
- Santa Justa Lift
- Carmo Convent
- Bairro Alto & Chiado
- São Jorge Castle
- Rossio Square