Praça dom Pedro

Rossio, officially Praça de D. Pedro IV, is one of the most important squares in downtown Lisbon and lies in the historic Baixa Pombalina district. Its history goes back to the Middle Ages, when it served as the city's main center and was the scene of numerous historic events. Today it is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike. In the middle of the square stands a bronze statue of King Pedro IV, later emperor of Brazil, from whom the square takes its official name. The surroundings are characterized by a typically Portuguese mosaic pavement of wave-patterned gray and white cobblestones, as well as two French fountains with bronze sculptures that give the place a special atmosphere.

The square's present form is largely the result of the reconstruction after the devastating earthquake of 1755. Under the direction of the Marquês de Pombal and the architects Eugénio dos Santos and Carlos Mardel, the downtown area was rebuilt in the Pombaline style. A striking remnant of that era is the Arco do Bandeira, a large archway with a Baroque pediment that connects Rossio with Rua dos Sapateiros. Another highlight is the Teatro Nacional D. Maria II, built in the 19th century on the site of the destroyed Palace of Independence. This neoclassical building, designed by Fortunato Lodi, has a statue of the playwright Gil Vicente atop its pediment.

As an important transportation hub, Rossio offers direct connections to the metro and to the terminal station of the same name. Rossio Station, built between 1886 and 1887, stands out for its neo-Manueline architecture and originally served the line to Sintra. Here you can not only experience the historical significance of the place but also enjoy Lisbon's vibrant city life, since the square is directly connected via Rua Augusta and Rua Áurea to Praça do Comércio on the banks of the Tagus.