Marquis of Pombal

Category: Civil Architecture > Monument

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Coração de Jesus

Location

Marquês de Pombal Square, located in Lisbon, in the former parish of Coração de Jesus, is one of the city's most recognizable and central points. Its location is strategic, marking the transition between the elegant Avenida da Liberdade, which descends towards downtown Lisbon (Baixa), and the vast Eduardo VII Park, which extends up the hill. This pivotal point in the capital is an important connecting hub, from which several relevant urban arteries branch out, making it a crossroads in Lisbon's urban fabric.

The square, with its circular configuration, offers a wide perspective on the surrounding urban environment, reflecting the city's dynamism and its importance as a center of convergence and movement, harmoniously linking the more historic area to the city's modernity.

The Central Monument

In the heart of the square stands the imposing monument in honor of Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, known as the Marquês de Pombal. Completed in 1934, this sculptural ensemble dominates the landscape, notably for its height. At the top of the column, a bronze statue of the Marquês, with his hand resting on a lion, symbolizes the strength, determination, and power that characterized him.

The base of the monument is artistically crafted, adorned with allegorical figures representing "Lisbon rebuilt," a clear tribute to the city that rose from the ashes after the 1755 earthquake. Other sculptural groups at the base evoke the reforms implemented under his governance. The statue of the Marquês is strategically oriented towards Baixa Pombalina, the area of Lisbon that was planned and rebuilt under his direct supervision. The pavement around the monument also features the coat of arms of the city of Lisbon, a detail that connects the space to the capital's identity.

Legacy and Historical Symbolism

The square and its monument celebrate the figure of Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, the first Marquês de Pombal, who exerted decisive influence as prime minister of Portugal between 1750 and 1777. His leadership was fundamental in the reconstruction of Lisbon after the tragic 1755 earthquake, implementing an urban plan that still defines the city's Baixa today. The monument, therefore, serves as a physical reminder of his vision and his role in the modernization of the country during the Enlightenment period.

Beyond paying homage to the statesman, Marquês de Pombal Square holds a significant place in Portuguese collective memory as the stage for crucial historical moments, including the events that led to the Proclamation of the Portuguese Republic in 1910. It is, therefore, a place that combines architectural monumentality with a rich tapestry of historical and cultural meanings, inviting contemplation of Lisbon's past and present.

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