Commerce Square at a glance
This location, often called Commerce Square by English speakers, serves as the heart of Lisbon. Situated in the historic Baixa district, this site is a fundamental stop in the Portuguese capital.
Originally, the site housed the royal palace and the residence of the country's monarchs. The palace was built in 1511 and was then known as Terreiro do Paço (Palace Yard).
In 1755, the palace was destroyed by an earthquake that devastated much of the city. Architects Eugenio dos Santos and Carlos Mardel then designed a rectangular space of 3,500 square meters framed by grand arches. Commerce Square thus took the form we recognize today. During the Age of Discovery, the square served as a hub where spices, gold, and goods arriving from the Americas were unloaded, traded, and sold. This history is the origin of its name.
In 1910, the square was painted pink to mark the fall of the monarchy and the birth of the republic. Today, yellow has replaced the pink, but the republic remains.
Currently, Commerce Square houses offices for various government ministries, and many restaurants have opened under the arcades. It is a culturally and historically significant area for a stroll. The location benefits from an excellent position, opening directly onto the mouth of the Tagus river. From here, you can see the 25 de Abril Bridge, a red structure that resembles a miniature version of the Golden Gate Bridge. Opposite the Tagus sits a triumphal arch featuring iconic figures from Portuguese history such as Vasco da Gama and the Marquis of Pombal. In the center of the square stands an equestrian statue of Joseph I, created by sculptor Joachim Machado de Castro, whose works are found throughout the city.
In short, Commerce Square is a location where I highly recommend cooling off in the shade of the arcades after a long walk through the old city.
The heart of Lisbon! This square makes for a sublime architectural ensemble, with its yellow buildings and arches facing the Tagus River. The two main points of interest are the Rua Augusta Arch, with its beautiful statue of Vasco da Gama, and the bronze sculpture of Joseph I. I recommend visiting the arch to climb to the top. The entrance, which only costs a few euros, is located at the foot of the monument. Despite how busy it always is, this square is perfect for taking photos and grabbing a drink on a terrace.