Praça do Comércio

Praça do Comércio, also known as Terreiro do Paço, is Lisbon's grandest and most iconic square, majestically opening onto the Tagus River. Historically, it served as the city's regal entrance, where kings and foreign dignitaries disembarked, and was once the site of the Royal Ribeira Palace until its destruction in the 1755 earthquake. Following the earthquake, the square was meticulously rebuilt as part of the Marquis of Pombal's vision for a reborn Lisbon, becoming a symbol of the city's resilience. It is framed on three sides by striking yellow Pombaline buildings with arcades, and on the fourth by the expansive river. The square's most prominent features include the equestrian statue of King José I, and the magnificent Arco da Rua Augusta, a triumphal arch leading to the bustling Rua Augusta. Praça do Comércio is a vibrant hub for events, a popular meeting point, and offers stunning riverside views, making it an essential stop for any visit to Lisbon.