Famous arch at the Praca do Comercio, Lisbon, Portugal

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Praça do Comércio

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With its grand 18th-century arcades, lemon-meringue facades and mosaic cobbles, the riverfront Praça do Comércio is a square to out-pomp them all. Everyone arriving by boat used to disembark here, and it still feels like the gateway to Lisbon, thronging with activity and rattling trams.

At its centre rises the dashing equestrian statue of Dom José I, hinting at the square’s royal roots as the pre-earthquake site of Palácio da Ribeira. In 1908 the square witnessed the fall of the monarchy, when anarchists assassinated Dom Carlos I and his son (perhaps most astonishing, however, was its use as a car park in the 1980s!). The biggest crowd-puller is Verissimo da Costa’s triumphal Arco da Rua Augusta, crowned with bigwigs such as 15th-century explorer Vasco da Gama; come at dusk to see the arch glow gold.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Statue of Dom José I

Rising from the centre of triumphant Praça do Comercio, the dashing equestrian statue of Dom José I hints at the square’s royal roots as the pre…

2. Arco da Rua Augusta

0.06 MILES

This triumphal arch was built in the wake of the 1755 earthquake. A lift whisks you to the top, where fine views of Praça do Comércio, the Rio Tejo and…

3. Lisbon Story Centre

0.06 MILES

This museum takes visitors on a 60-minute journey through Lisbon's history, from its early foundation (pre-ancient Roman days) to modern times. An audio…

4. Museu de Design e da Moda

0.1 MILES

This Baixa star, set in a cavernous former bank, contains furniture, industrial design and couture dating from the 1930s. It was closed for renovations at…

5. Museu do Dinheiro

0.14 MILES

Pop into Banco do Portugal's money museum to see the stunning €34-million interior renovation of the once-mighty São Julião church (closed in 1933); and…

7. Igreja da Conceição Velha

0.16 MILES

Completed in 1534 on orders from King Manuel I, Igreja da Conceição Velha is the second-oldest Manueline religious building in Lisbon. Its facade remains…

8. Ribeira das Naus

0.2 MILES

This riverfront promenade between Praça do Comércio and Cais do Sodré is a focal point along Lisbon's continually regenerating waterfront. With broad…