Praça do Comércio

The shopping streets of the Baixa quarter, running towards the river, end in a huge space of Praça do Comércio, which literally means Shopping Area. At the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, on the instructions of King Manuel I, a beautiful palace was built on this site, which gave its name to the remarkable architectural style of Manueline. During the earthquake of 1755, the palace was completely destroyed, and Prime Minister Sebastian Pombal (better known as the Marquis di Pombal), who led the restoration of the city, ordered the site to be cleared of ruins and a large area dedicated to market trade to be built in their place. The Square and the Arc de Triomphe have become symbols of Lisbon's rebirth from the ruins. The official name has not really caught on in everyday life, and the townspeople still call the square "Palace Square". The square measures 180 by 200 meters and was the largest in the world at the time of construction. In the center of the square there is a monument to King Jose I (Estátua equestrie de D. José I), during whose reign an earthquake occurred and the city was rebuilt. The square is surrounded on three sides by identical buildings with arcades, including 79 arches. If you look to the right, from the Arch, you will see the walls of St. George's Castle, located on a high hill. Tram lines pass through the square, including the 15E route, which is popular with tourists.

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..