Dom Pedro IV

Category: Civil Architecture > Memorial

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Santa Maria Maior

Location

D. Pedro IV Square, popularly known as Rossio, is located in the heart of Lisbon's Baixa district, in the parish of Santa Maria Maior. This square holds a central position in the city, serving as a significant meeting point and thoroughfare. Its location facilitates integration into Lisbon's urban environment, which is characterized by the surrounding Pombaline Baixa architecture.

A Historical Legacy

Since the Middle Ages, the area where D. Pedro IV Square now stands has played a fundamental role in Lisbon's life, functioning as a common space and a venue for markets and fairs. Throughout the centuries, this square has witnessed events of great importance to Portuguese history, from festivities and celebrations to pivotal moments and significant public acts. After the devastating earthquake of 1755, the square underwent a profound reconstruction, acquiring its current rectangular shape and characteristic Pombaline architecture.

The Central Monument

In the center of the square stands an imposing statue of D. Pedro IV, King of Portugal and first Emperor of independent Brazil. Inaugurated in 1870, this monument, approximately 27.5 meters high, consists of a pedestal made of Montes Claros marble, a column of Pêro Pinheiro lioz stone, and a bronze statue, authored by Elias Robert. At the base of the pedestal, four female figures represent Justice, Prudence, Fortitude, and Moderation, qualities attributed to the monarch. The statue depicts D. Pedro IV in a general's uniform, covered by a royal mantle, crowned with laurels, and holding the Constitutional Charter in his right hand.

Decorative and Architectural Elements

D. Pedro IV Square also distinguishes itself by its pavement, laid in 1848 with a remarkable wave pattern in Portuguese cobblestone (calçada portuguesa), crafted from basalt and limestone, one of the first designs of its kind to adorn the city's public spaces. Flanking the square are two monumental bronze fountains, imported from France, which add a touch of serenity to the ambiance. At one of its ends stands the D. Maria II National Theatre, a neoclassical building constructed on the former site of the Estaus Palace. Its facade is adorned with statues symbolizing various forms of art, including tragedy, comedy, music, dance, drama, opera, poetry, and allegory.

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