Blessed with countless attractions and awe-inspiring cultural venues, thousands of cafes and luxurious restaurants, fabulous theaters and incredible museums, Lisbon happily wakes up every day with something new and always with sunshine and a smile on its face. There are always many tourists in Lisbon and it doesn’t actually matter whether it is spring or winter, summer or fall; it’s always in hustle and bustle, hereby if you are looking for an amazing vacation, let’s start exploring Lisbon. Our visit to Lisbon will start at Praca do Comercio square famous for its crowded afternoons and vibrant nightlife.
Commerce square is also known as Palace Square. It’s considered one of the marvelous and fascinating squares of Lisbon and was once the main maritime entrance of the Portuguese capital. It took its name from a Palace located here for 400 years until the 1755 earthquake, which completely destroyed that beautiful masterpiece. The square houses a spectacular and very impressive 19th century triumphal arch leading to Rua Augusta, which is one of the top shopping areas in downtown Lisbon. This arch is embellished with various historical personalities like world-known Vasco da Gama and Marques do Pombal. This architectural wonder is a unique historical heritage coming from centuries, so that when you see it you will feel the breath of medieval times, which will take you back to old Lisbon. The area of the square has always played an important role in Portuguese history; for example King Carlos I was assassinated there in 1908 by Republicans who were also shot.
Nowadays Praca do Commerce Lisbon area has a commercial business street level in all the buildings surrounding it and the Lisbon’s Welcome Center is to be found in the northwest section. The oldest cafe and one of the most visited places of Lisbon named “Martinho da Arcada” is situated just on opposite side and once in Lisbon it’s worth being visited too because this was and is the favorite place of many renowned Portuguese writers, politicians and artists. This outstanding place would welcome you with oil burning lamps two centuries ago, today it’s a modern and antic combination of history and when you enter there you will understand that even every wall has much to tell you about the great history of this country.
Here you will admire the fabulous beauty of different statues like King José I, King of Portugal during the earthquake in 1755. The dark bronze horse, depicted trampling on serpents, is often called “Black Horse Square” by the English. The locals do not particularly care about the horse… but about who is sitting on it! The government offices now housed in the buildings surrounding the square would move to a new location, restaurants with outdoor tables and a modern museum dedicated to the Age of Discovery would replace them.
This is the main square of Lisbon, so you should not miss it during your stay. We recommend that you don’t miss even a detail and explore every corner attentively because at every step you will get acquainted with Portugal’s historical heritage and cultural values.
