Restauradores Square at a glance
Located just north of the Rossio neighborhood at the end of Avenida da Liberdade, the promenade Lisbon writer Fernando Pessoa considered the city's finest, Restauradores Square commemorates the 1640 popular uprising against Spain. This revolt allowed Portugal to regain its independence after 60 years of Hispanic rule. In the heart of the historic center, you will also find the Calçada da Glória (Glória funicular), which whisks you directly up to the Bairro Alto, a legendary nightlife district in the Portuguese capital.
This immense rectangular esplanade is surrounded by striking 19th and early 20th century buildings. At its center stands an obelisk erected by António Tomás da Fonseca in 1866, funded by public contributions from Portugal and Brazil. Flanked by bronze statues representing Victory and Liberty, the work of Alberto Nunes and Simões de Almeida, the obelisk rises prominently above the square. Take a moment to look closely at the monument. The key events of the Restoration War are engraved into its base. You can see dates like the signing of the peace treaty on February 13, 1668, the Battle of Montes Claros on June 17, 1665, the Battle of Castelo Rodrigo on July 7, 1664, and the start of the uprising on December 1, 1640.
The square is home to the imposing Palacio Foz, which houses a tourist office, the Eden Theatre, now converted into a luxury hotel, and a Hard Rock Cafe located in the former Condes cinema from the 1950s. If you have time, check the schedule for the Palacio Foz. Managed by the Ministério da Cultura (Portuguese Ministry of Culture), it is not open year round, but it frequently hosts free exhibitions and small concerts. Often called a miniature Versailles due to its ornate hall of mirrors, attending an event here is a unique experience.
With the Avenida da Liberdade nearby, this roundabout-style square feels a bit like the Champs-Élysées. Dominated by a beautiful obelisk, it is surrounded by an amazing architectural hodgepodge. For me, the Eden Theater remains the most impressive building with its art deco style. The square's cobblestones and mosaics are also worth a look. Other than that, there is no need to linger. The heavy traffic does not make it a very pleasant place for walking.