Joy Square

Category: Nature > Square

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > São José > Santo António

Location

Praça da Alegria is located in the parish of Santo António, in Lisbon, situated just a few steps from the iconic Avenida da Liberdade. Its design is integrated into Lisbon's urban fabric, featuring a distinctive central space that invites pausing. Its layout offers a traditional square ambiance, functioning as an oasis within the surrounding vibrant area.

This location is in a central area of the capital, easily accessible for those exploring the city on foot or by public transport, serving as a meeting and transit point in one of Lisbon's most renowned neighborhoods.

The Alfredo Keil Garden

At the heart of Praça da Alegria stands the Alfredo Keil Garden, a green space that defines much of the central area. With a terraced layout, the garden provides a peaceful and pleasant environment, ideal for a moment of rest. On the western side of this garden, there is a bust honoring Alfredo Keil, a prominent figure in Portuguese culture.

Alfredo Keil was a musician, painter, and poet, but is perhaps best known for composing the melody of A Portuguesa, the national anthem. His presence in the square adds a touch of history and art to this public space, recalling the contribution of great figures to the country's cultural heritage.

Memories of the Square

The roots of Praça da Alegria date back to a more rural past. Before the 1755 earthquake, this area, known as Cotovia de Baixo or da Alegria, was an agricultural expanse, neighboring the vast estate of the Society of Jesus, which today corresponds to the Botanical Garden. Its urbanization began to take shape between the 18th and 19th centuries, driven by the creation of the Passeio Público.

Throughout its history, Praça da Alegria was also the stage for important social and commercial events. After the 1755 earthquake, for example, it hosted the Feira da Alegria (Fair of Joy), a stage in the evolution of the well-known Feira da Ladra (Thieves' Market), before the latter was transferred to Campo de Santana in 1835. These historical traces add depth and narrative to the place.

The Theatre Walk of Fame

Since 2019, the pavement of Praça da Alegria has gained a new and vibrant identity with the creation of the Theatre Walk of Fame. This initiative pays tribute to great personalities who have enriched the world of Portuguese theater. Each year, on March 27th, in celebration of World Theatre Day, new names are engraved on the square's pavement.

Walking through this space allows visitors to discover and recognize the names of many actors, directors, and other figures who have left their mark on the country's theatrical scene. The Walk of Fame transforms the square into a dynamic cultural point of interest and a continuous tribute to the art of the stage, making it a must-visit location for lovers of Portuguese culture.

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