The Portuguese capital needs at least a week-stay to be deeply explored considering there are hundreds of things to see, however if out of some personal and “technical” reasons you cannot do that, then here is some advice which places not to miss. We have already talked about some of them, and now let’s continue.
Praca do Comercio – Praca do Comercio translated from Portuguese means Commerce Square and is also quite often referred to as the Palace Square. It’s a majestic square absolutely unique in its type. If you go to the square from Tagus River, then you will definitely observe the marble steps coming from the history.
You might wonder why it’s called the Palace Square when there is no palace there. Those people who have some knowledge about the history of Lisbon or the history of Portugal must know about the 1755 earthquake. It was a most horrible natural disaster that destroyed most of the city, including a palace that used to rise there.
Praca do Comercio is like a crossroad from where you will appear in various areas. One direction to take is the one leading to Rua Augusta famed for its great number of shopping opportunities. It’s where you can do some good shopping, including souvenirs for relatives and friends.
Presently the square is surrounded by administrative offices. There are also several restaurants among them the oldest café Martinho da Arcada which is a must visit and one of the regular visitors of which was Fernando Pessoa.
It’s hard not to notice the statue of King Jose I, the King of Portugal whose ruling period coincided with the earthquake. There is also an arch, which is decorated with the statues of such figures as Vasco da Gama and Marques do Pombal. The latter is the one who undertook the reconstruction of the Lisbon after 1755.
Igreja do Carmo – No matter you are a believer or not, you have to see this masterpiece with your own eyes. The construction of Igreja do Carmo was completed in 1423. Back then it was the largest one among Lisbon churches. The church also suffered from the earthquake. The ruins bear of this church bear huge historical and cultural value. Make sure to also visit Carmo Museum. It’s an archaeological museum presents priceless pieces dating to the pre-historical times to our days.
