Praça de Comércio

The Praça do Comércio (Commerce Plaza) is one of the largest square facing the harbor in the historic center of Lisbon.

We are now approaching the  Praça do Comércio via rua Augusta.

The Triumphal Arch of Praça do Comércio view from Rua Augusta.

Designed in 1775 as a gateway to the city, but this version seen today dated from a century later, 1875.

Situated in one for the most beautiful squares of the world, the Triumphal Arch of  Praça do Comércio, most commonly known as Rua Augusta Arch is the monumental gate that connects Lisbon to the Tagus River.

The Arch is supported by grandiose columns and it is for sure one of the tourist attraction of the city and a must visit.  We have been here the first time but it is such a beautiful place that we had to come to see it again.

A plaque under the Arch on Rua Agusta built to commemorate the city's reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake. 

Beautiful vaulted corridors on both sides of the square,  they are mostly offices.

The sculptures of the Triumphal Arch of Praça do Comércio were executed by the Portuguese sculptor Victor Bastos (1830-1894).

The entrance of the  Praça do Comércio view from the interior square.

On top is a sculpture of Valour and Genius crowned by Glory.

The sculpture represent three figures: the middle one is standing and represent Glory, who is holding two bronze bay crowns on top of the head of two seated figures nest to her.

Below them we can see the inscription" "VIRTVTIBVS MAIORUM VT SIT OMINIBVS DOCMENTO. P. P. D. which means: By virtue of the Greatest, so that it may serve everyone as a teaching.  Dedicated to public expenditure.

From the main square you have to cross the street to reach the Praça do Comércio.

The square is enormous.

In the main square is the Equestrian statue of King José I facing the Tagus River.

Statue of King José I, by Machado de Castro (1775). The king on his horse is symbolically crushing snakes on his path.

Closer look at the monument.

We are now at the end of the square.  There is one more street to cross and you will be reaching the Tagus River.

Cais das Colunas (Columns Pier), a beautiful pier with a wide marble stairway that for centuries was the main entrance to the city.

Gorgeous view of the harbor.

View of the Praça do Comércio standing from the Tagus River.

That was a nice walk and now we are going back to the apartment to rest a bit before dinner time.

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