Category: Civil Architecture > Square
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > São Nicolau
Located in downtown Lisbon, next to the Tagus River.
Also known as Terreiro do Paço.
It was the site of the palace of the kings of Portugal for about two centuries.
One of the largest squares in Europe, with 36,000 m² (180m x 200m).
Surrounded by 79 arches and historic buildings.
- Symbolism: Represents the political power and centralism of the State in Portugal.
- Destruction and Reconstruction: The royal palace and its library were destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. The square was rebuilt under the direction of Eugénio dos Santos, following the plan of the Marquis of Pombal.
- Surrounding Buildings: Formerly occupied by ministries and public institutions: currently divided between government, cultural, hotels, restaurants and cafes.
- Café Martinho da Arcada: The oldest in Lisbon, frequented by Fernando Pessoa.
- Cais das Colunas: Marble staircase used for official landings of heads of state.
- Equestrian Statue of D. José: Sculpted by Joaquim Machado de Castro in 1775.
- Triumphal Arch of Rua Augusta: Entrance to downtown Lisbon.
- Transformation: Former parking lot, now used for cultural events and shows.
- Political History:
- End of the Iberian Union in 1640 with the imprisonment of the Duchess of Mantua and the death of Miguel de Vasconcelos.
- Assassination of King D. Carlos and Prince D. Luís Filipe in 1908.
- Navy Landing in the 1910 Revolution.
- Landing of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in 1957.
- Speeches by Oliveira Salazar during the Estado Novo.
- Revolution of April 25, 1974.
- Mass of Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
- Celebrations of Portugal Day in 2016.
- Activities: The square is now a dynamic space with various cultural activities, restaurants and cafes, as well as being a meeting and leisure point for both locals and tourists.
Coordinates DD: 38.707542970752016,-9.136465912539332
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'27.2"N 09°08'11.3"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
