Praca do Comercio (Commerce Square), Lisbon (must see)

The Commerce Square on Lisbon's waterfront underwent a complete reconstruction following the devastating 1755 earthquake and subsequent tsunami, briefly described in Voltaire's 1756 work "Poème sur le désastre de Lisbonne". This reconstruction erased the centuries-old layout of the square, replacing it with symmetrical government buildings dedicated to regulating customs and port activities, hence the name "comércio."

The centerpiece of the 35,000 square meter square is the equestrian statue of King José I, who reigned during the earthquake and played a pivotal role in the city's massive rebuilding effort. Notably, there is an elephant depicted on the eastern side of the statue's pedestal, symbolizing Portugal's vast overseas empire. This elephant motif also appears in the novel "The Elephant's Journey", written by the renowned Portuguese author and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate, José Saramago.

At the square's northern side, you'll encounter the Arco da Rua Augusta, a triumphal arch that connects the square to Rua Augusta, as well as the Cais das Colunas, a riverfront pier adorned with two columns and marble steps. These steps were typically partly submerged and served as the "noble entrance" to the city during Portugal's maritime era, used by kings, queens, heads of state, and other dignitaries.

On the western side, at the intersection of Praça do Comércio and Rua do Arsenal, you can find a plaque commemorating the assassination of King Carlos I, who was shot there along with his heir apparent, Luís Filipe, by two individuals advocating for a republican government. Following this tragedy, King Carlos I was succeeded by his other son, Manuel II, but the monarchy was soon abolished, leading to the family's exile.

Throughout the expansive square, under the arcades, you'll discover souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and wine cellars. These establishments attract both tourists and locals who come to savor a meal, observe passing ships, gaze at the 25th of April Bridge downstream, or simply enjoy some fresh air away from the occasionally cramped streets and alleyways.

Tip:
For a glimpse of what the square looked like before the 1755 earthquake, you can find reproductions of contemporary engravings from the 17th and 18th centuries and a modern ceramic tile mural ("azulejos") at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama.