Commerce Square

Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio) is the most important square in Lisbon. It was built on the site where the royal palace was located prior to its destruction in the great earthquake of 1755.

Commerce Square

Commerce Square is comprised of a group of porticoed buildings on three sides, and the south side is open, and looks out to the Tagus River. Historically merchant boats came in here, as it was the port of Lisbon.

Near the square, on the river bank, is the Cais de Sodré boat station from which Tagus River excursions and boats that cross the river embark.

Places of Interest

In Commerce Square there are two places of special interest.

The Triumphal Arch of Rua Augusta

Triumphal Arch of Rua Augusta

Situated on the northern side of Commerce Square, the Arco da Rua Augusta opens the Rua Augusta street, the most important street in Baixa.

The Triumphal Arch of Rua Augusta was designed by the architect Santos de Carvalho to celebrate the reconstruction of the city after the great earthquake. Construction was completed in 1873, and its statues represent, among others, Vasco da Gama and the Marquess of Pombal.

Equestrian statue of Joseph I (José I)

Sculpted in bronze by Machado de Castro in 1775 it represents Joseph I, the Portuguese king who was in power at the time of the earthquake in Lisbon.

Location

Praça do Comércio, Lisbon city centre.

Transport

Metro: Terreiro do Paço‎, blue line; Baixa / Chiado‎, green and blue lines.

Map

Closest attractions

Lisbon Cathedral (0.24 miles)
Baixa (0.24 miles)
Santa Justa Lift (0.35 miles)
São Jorge Castle (0.45 miles)
Rossio Square (0.46 miles)

Hotels nearby

Hotel Vincci Baixa
(0.12 miles)
Auris Apartments Lisbon
(0.13 miles)
Lisbon RiverView Hostel
(0.06 miles)
Smart Hostel
(0.06 miles)