LISBON, Portugal -
The Praça do Comércio, or Commerce Square, is a historic and architecturally significant site situated in Lisbon, Portugal's capital city. It is one of the largest squares in Europe, measuring around 36,000 square meters. The square sits adjacent to the Tagus River, allowing for stunning waterfront views. The Praça do Comércio was built in the 18th century following the catastrophic 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which destroyed much of the city. The Marquis of Pombal, the Prime Minister at the time, oversaw the rebuilding of Lisbon, including the creation of the Praça do Comércio. The square was intended to be a symbol of the new Lisbon, characterized by a Pombaline architectural style notable for its utilitarian structures and grid street system. The square is enclosed on three sides by yellow-colored buildings housing government offices and is open on the south to the Tagus River. The Rua Augusta Arch, a triumphal arch, stands at the entrance to the square from the north, leading to Rua Augusta, a bustling pedestrian street. At the center of the square stands a bronze statue of King José I, the reigning monarch when the square was constructed. The statue, completed in 1775 by the sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro, is considered a significant work of Portuguese art from the period. The square's southern end is marked by the Cais das Colunas, a marble flight of steps leading down to the Tagus River, which once served as the noble entrance to Lisbon. On the east side of the square, you can find the Pátio da Galé, a complex that used to be a royal palace and is now a venue for events and exhibitions. On the west side is the historic Martinho da Arcada, the oldest café in Lisbon. For centuries, the Praça do Comércio has been a central point in Lisbon, bearing witness to many significant historical events, including the assassination of King Carlos I in 1908. Today, it continues to serve as a prominent gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Praca do Comercio, Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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