Rossio Square

Welcome to Rossio Square, officially known as Praça Dom Pedro IV. This is the true nervous system of Lisbon, a place where the city's past and present collide in a vibrant display of urban life. …

The pavement you are walking on is one of the most celebrated examples of the 'calçada portuguesa.' This tradition of limestone and basalt mosaic was popularized in the mid-19th century, and Rossio was one of the first major…

At the center of the square stands a 27-meter-tall monument topped by the bronze statue of Dom Pedro IV. He was a pivotal figure in 19th-century history, serving as both the King of Portugal and the first Emperor of Brazil. …

Closing the northern end of the square is the grand, neoclassical facade of the Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II. Built between 1842 and 1846, it was designed by the Italian architect Fortunato Lodi. …

To the north and south of the central statue, you will find two identical bronze fountains. These were imported from France in the mid-19th century and are classic examples of the ornate, decorative style of the era. …

On the western side of the square, you will find Café Nicola, an institution that has been part of Rossio since the late 18th century. Its current Art Deco facade dates from the 1920s, but the history of the establishment goes…

As we stand near the northern end of the square, it is important to reflect on the darker chapters of Rossio's history. Before the 1755 earthquake, the dominant structure here was the Estaus Palace, the headquarters of the…

Our journey through Rossio Square comes to a close. We have explored its literal and metaphorical foundations, from the wave-like pavement that mirrors the sea to the neoclassical buildings that rose from the ashes of the 1755…