{"id":17771,"date":"2024-10-25T09:27:12","date_gmt":"2024-10-25T09:27:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/praca-do-comercio-lisbon\/"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:32:04","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T09:32:04","slug":"praca-do-comercio-lisbon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/en\/praca-do-comercio-lisbon\/","title":{"rendered":"Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio in Lisbon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Head to Lisbon\u2019s Baixa district! Set along the Tagus River, the iconic Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio\u2014Lisbon’s famous Commerce Square\u2014is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s dive in!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

In This Guide: <\/strong>
> A Brief History of Lisbon’s Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio<\/a>
> Exploring Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio<\/a>
> Practical Info & Top Recommendations<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\ud83d\udca1 Insider<\/strong> Tips<\/strong> \ud83d\udca1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50 Top Tip<\/strong>: Free guided tour of the capital <\/a><\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udca4 Hotels accommodation: <\/strong> selection of value-for-money accommodation. <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

A Brief History of Lisbon’s Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

1511<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

King Manuel I relocates the royal residence from S\u00e3o Jorge Castle<\/a> to the riverside<\/strong>, transforming this location into the \u201cTerreiro do Pa\u00e7o,\u201d<\/strong> or Palace Square. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

18th Century<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

With maritime trade flourishing, the square becomes Lisbon\u2019s bustling center for both commerce and administration.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

November 1, 1755<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

A massive earthquake, followed by a tsunami and fires<\/strong>, devastates Lisbon and destroys the royal palace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

King Joseph I<\/strong>, who survived, develops an aversion to stone buildings, choosing instead to live luxuriously under canvas tents.<\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

1756<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Prime Minister Marquis of Pombal<\/strong> leads the city’s reconstruction<\/strong>, appointing architect Eug\u00e9nio dos Santos to design the future Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

1775<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

The square and its equestrian statue of King Joseph I are officially unveiled.<\/strong> Reflecting its new commercial focus, the square becomes Lisbon\u2019s trading hub<\/strong>, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

housing customs offices and numerous administrative buildings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

1873<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Completion of the Rua Augusta Arch<\/strong> commemorates Lisbon\u2019s resilience after the 1755 catastrophe.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

February 1, 1908<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

King Carlos I<\/strong> and his heir, Lu\u00eds Filipe, are assassinated here by republican activists<\/strong>, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

an event that paves the way for the 1910 revolution<\/strong> and establishment of the Portuguese Republic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

1974<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

The square plays a pivotal role as a gathering spot during the Carnation Revolution<\/strong>, which leads to the end of Portugal’s dictatorship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Today<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

To this day, Lisbon\u2019s Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio remains a vibrant center of cultural life in the city.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each year, it hosts various events<\/strong>, including a Christmas market<\/strong> held in December. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

\ud83d\udca1 The Terreiro do Pa\u00e7o<\/strong> \ud83d\udca1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Though the square\u2019s official name has long since changed to Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio, many locals still call it \u201cTerreiro do Pa\u00e7o\u201d (Palace Square). In fact, the nearby metro station and bus stops bear this historic name! <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"Pra\u00e7a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Visiting Lisbon’s Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you\u2019re up to speed on the square’s history, it\u2019s time to start exploring! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio at a Glance<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Covering nearly 36,000 square meters \/ 390,000 square feet, Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio is one of Europe\u2019s largest squares, and its impressive dimensions certainly leave a lasting impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The square is a vast rectangle framed on three sides by grand, yellow buildings in the distinctive Pombaline style (named after the Marquis of Pombal). The fourth side is open to the Tagus River. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the square\u2019s northern edge, opposite the river, stands the Rua Augusta Arch, marking the entrance to Lisbon\u2019s main shopping street. At the center of the square rises an equestrian statue of King Joseph I. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, the buildings surrounding the square house several institutions, like the Ministry of Finance, along with numerous cafes and restaurants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rua Augusta Arch<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Built to celebrate Lisbon\u2019s post-earthquake rebirth in 1755, the Rua Augusta Arch\u2014designed by architect Ver\u00edssimo da Costa\u2014is a stunning piece of neo-classical architecture, adorned with intricate details. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure to notice the three allegorical statues representing Glory, Valor, and Generosity, as well as statues of the Marquis of Pombal and explorer Vasco da Gama. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the top of the arch, 30 meters \/ 100 feet above ground, you can take in breathtaking views of the Tagus, the Baixa district, and Lisbon\u2019s iconic landmarks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49 Tip:<\/strong> Access to the top of the arch is included with the Lisboa Card<\/strong><\/a>. Alternatively, single tickets are available here: Tickets for the Rua Augusta Arch<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lisbon<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Equestrian Statue of King Joseph I<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Commissioned by the Marquis of Pombal, the equestrian statue of King Joseph I was unveiled in 1775 as part of the grand inauguration of Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Created by renowned sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro\u2014arguably Portugal’s most famous sculptor, with a fine arts museum in Coimbra named in his honor\u2014the statue is a striking piece. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At its base, you\u2019ll find decorative details, including a bronze medallion featuring none other than the Marquis of Pombal himself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisboa Story Center<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Want to delve deeper into Lisbon\u2019s rich history? Head over to the Lisboa Story Center on the east side of Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This interactive museum offers an immersive experience that walks visitors through key moments in Lisbon\u2019s past, from the Age of Discoveries to the devastating 1755 earthquake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a fantastic stop for anyone eager to experience Lisbon in a new way\u2014especially families traveling with kids! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49 Insider Tip:<\/strong> Access to the Lisboa Story Center is included with the Lisboa Card<\/strong><\/a>, but tickets are also available separately here: <\/a>Tickets for the Lisboa Story Center<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caf\u00e9 Martinho da Arcada<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tucked away on the northeast corner of the square, Caf\u00e9 Martinho da Arcada, established in 1782, is one of Lisbon\u2019s oldest and most iconic caf\u00e9s.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legend has it that none other than the writer Fernando Pessoa frequented this intellectual hub and even had a table reserved just for him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, the caf\u00e9 retains its historic charm while serving delicious, traditional Portuguese dishes\u2014a must-visit for a true taste of Lisbon\u2019s cultural soul!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, a great address! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Tagus River and Cais das Colunas<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the original Terreiro do Pa\u00e7o didn\u2019t survive the earthquake of 1755, the Cais das Colunas, or \u201cQuay of the Columns,\u201d remains as a relic of pre-disaster Lisbon. This was once the grand arrival point for dignitaries and notable guests visiting the royal family. Two stately columns here mark the entrance into Portugal\u2019s capital. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, Cais das Colunas is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, where both locals and visitors gather to take in scenic views of the 25th of April Bridge and the Christ the King statue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Pra\u00e7a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Exploring Nearby Attractions<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Make the most of your time at Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio by exploring nearby highlights: <\/p>\n\n\n\n