If you are in Praça do Comércio square, go and stand in the middle near the statue of Joseph I, it’s only then you really notice how immense this square is. Over the years, numerous parades, festivities and executions took place here. It was, and still is, one of the main squares in Lisbon.
One of the most important events on this square was in 1974, when thousands of people gathered in the square during the Carnation Revolution that overthrew the dictatorial regime.
Nowadays, Praça do Comércio (that is Portuguese for Trade Square) is completely car-free. There are well-traveled roads both on the south and on the north side of the square.
Do not forget to look at the streetlights at Praça do Comércio, they are beautiful and have the Lisbon citysymbol.
Arco da Rua Augusta
On the north side of the square you will find the monumental Arco da Rua Augusta, the triumphal arch that provides access to the city via the Rua Augusta.
That street runs through the Baixa to that other monumental square: Rossio.
Cais das Colunas
On the south side the square is adjacent to the Tagus river. When you cross the street to the Tagus you get to a pier with wide stairs and two columns: Cais das Colunas. This staircase has been an important gateway to the city for centuries. In the past, the boats from high-placed people were laid out at the Cais das Colunas and then landed via the stairs.
You have a wide view over the Tagus here and this is a very popular place to enjoy the sun with a nice drink.
On the square you will find the Tourist Office of Lisbon: Ask me Lisboa, on the east and on the west side.
