Lisbon’s Royal Town Square

LISBON, Portugal — In a space once occupied by the royal palace, Lisbon’s Praça do Comércio (or Commerce Square) occupies not just prime real estate but also a central place in the city’s life.

King Jose I in Praca do Comercio in Lisbon Portugal with Full Moon
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Filed Under: Portugal

The royal palace used to stand here. Which is why, rather than its formal name of Praça do Comércio, locals know it as Terreiro do Paço, or Palace Square.

King Manuel I moved the royal residence from Castelo Sao Jorge, the Moorish keep on top of the hill, down here by the waterfront in 1511. The first palace lasted until 1755, when a massive earthquake nearly destroyed Lisbon.

The palace was rebuilt surrounding the square, with its buildings painted royal yellow. In the wake of the 1910 revolution, they were converted to government offices and painted Republican pink. They’re still offices, but they’ve now been reverted back to yellow in homage to their royal history.

The square is framed by the Tagus River on one side, and its landing forms a historically dramatic entrance by water to the city of Lisbon. On the opposite site, the triumphal arch of the Arco da Rua Augusta on the other.

In the middle stands an equestrian statue of King King Jose I (Joseph I) (1714-1777), his horse stomping on snakes.

Aside from the statue in the middle, it makes for a large open event space for the city’s residents to use as one of the city’s prime communal gathering places. (Rossio Square, not far away, is another space that historically served in that role as well.) It’s where to locals descend en masse to watch Portugal win the Euro Cup or to ring in the New Year. More than an expanse of paving, it’s the heart of the city.

Photos of Lisbon’s Commerce Square

Arco da Rua Augusta on Commerce Square in Lisbon Portugal

King Jose I in Praca do Comercio in Lisbon Portugal

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Statues on Arco da Rua Augusta on Commerce Square in Lisbon Portugal

Arco da Rua Augusta on Commerce Square in Lisbon Portugal

Portuguese Coat of Arms on the Arco da Rua Augusta on Commerce Square in Lisbon Portugal

King Jose I in Praca do Comercio in Lisbon Portugal

Pedestrians on Rua Augusta in the Pombaline Baixa at Night in Lisbon Portugal

Tram and Arco da Rua Augusta on Commerce Square in Lisbon Portugal at Night

King Jose I in Praca do Comercio in Lisbon Portugal with Full Moon

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Close-Up of King Jose I in Praca do Comercio in Lisbon Portugal

Tagus River Statue on the Arco da Rua Augusta on Commerce Square in Lisbon Portugal

Close-up of Arco da Rua Augusta on Commerce Square in Lisbon Portugal

Arco da Rua Augusta on Commerce Square in Lisbon Portugal

Street Lamp on Praca do Comercio in Lisbon Portugal

Arco da Rua Augusta on Commerce Square in Lisbon Portugal

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David Coleman / Photographer

David Coleman

I'm a freelance travel photographer based in Washington DC. Seven continents, up mountains, underwater, and a bunch of places in between. My images have appeared in numerous publications, and you can check out some of my gear reviews and tips here. More »