Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco), Central Portugal, Portugal

5Mairwen1 5:00 PM Jan 27, 2021

Excellent Starting Point for Exploring Lisbon
We loved Lisbon and we had 5 days here but even if you only have a day in Lisbon, then this is a beautiful, open waterfront square that you don't want to miss. It is an excellent place to start exploring Lisbon because the Tourist Information centre is here and trams run past here constantly. You enter via a gleaming white triumphal arch. The old royal palace and arcaded walkway wraps around three sides of the plaza. The fourth side opens up to the harbour, where we sat to watch the sun set across the water. Taking centre stage is the 14 m tall statue of King José I (1750 – 1777). He sits upright, on his horse and is wearing the emperor's mantle although most of my attention was taken with his rather spectacular feathered hat. I was also intrigued that he appears to be riding over a nest of vipers with snakes are writhing around the horse’s legs. Are they symbolic enemies? Around the base, there’s more mayhem. Limestone angels cavort with a baby elephant, a man is being trampled by an elephant and another is about to be come to serious harm underneath a rearing horse. Historically, this where the royal palace stood for over two centuries until the devastating 1755 Earthquake and tsunami which completely destroyed the palace and along with it, much of Lisbon. Jose I was already king then and the royal family quickly packed their bags and ran to Belem for safety. There is a lot to do and see here: ∗ Rua Augusta Arch and the viewing platform at the top ∗ Watch the sunset over the harbour – just beautiful ∗ Wines of Portugal Tasting Centre – see separate review ∗ Tourist Information Centre ∗ The trams run alongside the square so it’s a good, central jump on/off point ∗ Café Martinho da Arcada, which has been here serving poets novelists since 1782 ∗ Lisboa Story Centre museum

5debdoodleNewYork 5:00 PM Mar 19, 2022

great place to visit
Loved this area! We were there during a football game between the Netherlands and Portugal so the "entertainment" was quite interesting of people watching. Area is great to take photos. It is truly a beautiful area. You can get tuk tuks (for touring there). right on water so you can see the boats and ride a ferry if you wish. Near metro. Lots of nice restaurants. We ate at Squisto which was wonderful. Pizza and wine while people watching