LISBON, Portugal — Detail of the Arco da Rua Augusta, a triumphal arch on Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) in Lisbon's Pombaline Downtown district. Built to commemorate the city's rebuilding after the 1755 earthquake, the arch features ornate sculptures and architectural details. Atop the arch, sculptures represent Glory rewarding Valor and Genius, symbolizing Lisbon's resilience and renaissance.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Arco da Rua Augusta is a monumental arch that serves as the grand entrance to Lisbon's Baixa district from the Praça do Comércio. Constructed between 1759 and 1875, the arch is a testament to Lisbon's recovery and rebirth following the catastrophic earthquake of 1755. This neoclassical structure, standing at 30 meters high and 11 meters wide, was designed by Portuguese architect Santos de Carvalho. The arch's intricate design showcases various sculptural elements that narrate Portugal's history and aspirations. At the top, the allegorical grouping by French sculptor Célestin Anatole Calmels depicts Glory crowning Genius and Valor, symbolizing the nation's resilience and creative spirit. The arch also features statues of historical figures crucial to Portugal's past, including Vasco da Gama, Nuno Álvares Pereira, Viriatus, and the Marquis of Pombal, who was instrumental in Lisbon's reconstruction. On the arch's facade, visitors can observe six columns supporting Corinthian capitals, along with various inscriptions. One notable inscription reads "VIRTVTIBVS MAIORVM" (To the virtues of the ancestors), highlighting the reverence for Portugal's historical achievements. The arch also houses a clock and an observation deck, offering panoramic views of Praça do Comércio, the Tagus River, and the Baixa district. The Arco da Rua Augusta is not just an architectural marvel but also a functional passageway, connecting the expansive Praça do Comércio to Rua Augusta, the main pedestrian thoroughfare of the Baixa Pombalina. This integration exemplifies the urban planning principles of the Pombaline era, which sought to create a harmonious and functional city center. As a key component of Lisbon's skyline and a symbol of the city's perseverance, the Arco da Rua Augusta continues to captivate visitors with its grandeur and historical significance. It stands as a proud reminder of Lisbon's ability to rise from adversity and its enduring place in Europ
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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