Commerce Square

Category: Civil Architecture > Square

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra > Baixa

Location

Praça do Comércio, also known by its older designation, Praça Velha, is situated in the heart of Coimbra's Baixa (Downtown). It lies in a flatter area of the city, nestled between the high hill where the university stands and the Mondego River. It is a central confluence point where several typical streets and alleys of this historic zone converge. Access is facilitated from the main pedestrian street of the Baixa, Rua Ferreira Borges, via staircases that lead directly to the square.

This pedestrian urban space allows visitors to circulate peacefully and absorb the atmosphere of Coimbra's Baixa.

A Space with History

For centuries, Praça do Comércio was the major economic and social hub of Coimbra. It served as the city's main market square, a vibrant place where transactions took place and public life buzzed. Its importance grew around the cores of the old churches that still flank it today.

In the 16th century, the square experienced its golden age, functioning not only as a market but also as a stage for various manifestations of community life, from official acts to popular celebrations. Its designation as Praça Velha (Old Square) was consolidated later, after the main market activity was transferred to another location.

Key Architectural Features

The square is defined by the imposing presence of two historic churches at opposite ends. To the north is the Church of São Tiago (Saint James), a construction of Romanesque origin. To the south is the Church of São Bartolomeu (Saint Bartholomew), whose foundation dates back to the 10th century, but which today displays a predominantly Baroque design, a result of significant alterations in the 18th century.

In the center of the square, the pillory stands out. The current column is a 20th-century reconstruction, but it replicates the original 15th-century structure. Resting on a stepped base, its shaft is crowned by symbolic elements of ancient municipal authority, such as the armillary sphere and the Cross of Christ, recalling the square's role as a civic and judicial center.

Current Atmosphere

Although no longer the bustling commercial center of yesteryear, Praça do Comércio remains a meeting point in Coimbra's Baixa. Its atmosphere is now more tranquil, inviting a pause. The revitalization of the space, which included the improvement of the paving, fully restored it to pedestrian circulation, making it a pleasant square to stroll and observe the historic buildings that surround it, with their facades reflecting different eras and styles, some still bearing traces of old decorations or architectural features.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt