Praça do Comércio / Lisbon

Here begins (or ends - depending on how you look at it -) the Baixa = the lower town. It was rebuilt in the mid-18th century after an earthquake which destroyed the center. The special feature here is the grid-like layout with parallel and perpendicular streets.

The former Royal Palace (Terreiro do Paço) was destroyed as well together with the Royal Palace at the earthquake. Here at this point the Praça do Comércio was created at the rebuilding of this area.

In the middle of the square is a monument: a cast in bronze with King José I on his horse.

In the U-shape arcades around the place various institutions and organizations have their headquarters. Here you will also find a tourist information office.
On the south side of the square borders to the Tagus (Tejo). On the north side, direction of Rua Augusta, is a magnificent triumphal arch, which is part of the U-shaped buildings.