"Praca do Comércio" Plazas and squares Tip by smschley

The Praca do Comércio is located in the southernmost edge of Lisbon along the Tagus River. It is also known by its earlier name, Terreiro do Paco, and has been described as Lisbon's “reception hall” and it is certainly one of the finest squares in Europe. The name means "Palace Yard" after the magnificent Royal Palace overlooking the Tagus, which was destroyed in the Great Earthquake of 1755. The Palace was the residence of the royal family that overlooked the Tagus. As most visitors arrived by boat it was considered the entry gate into the city of Lisbon. It was therefore important that it be Impressive.

The open space is about 300 yards square and is encased on three sides by arcade eighteenth-century colorful ministerial buildings. Underneath these building you can walk through magnificent archways. The focal point of the square is the mounted bronze statue of King Joseph I by Machado de Castro which gives it the name of "Black Horse Square". At the northern end there is a Monumental Arch, which symbolizes the gates to the city: the Arco da Victoria. The Arch was included in the original design for the square made immediately after the Earthquake, but was not completed for another 80 years.

The square opens out on to the pedestrian street Augusta, which takes you to the Rossio district. These places are very popular among the people of Lisbon. The Praça do Comercio is also the spot where most of the tramways stop, as well as the buses.