The Praça do Comércio is the most magnificent plaza in Lisbon, and one of the highlights of the city. This grand plaza is surrounded on three sides by distinctive yellow Pombaline-style buildings, with the southern side facing out over the Tejo Estuary. An illustrious statue dedicated to King Joseph I stands at the center of the plaza, while on the northern side is the triumphant Rua Augusta Arch (Arco da Rua Augusta), which leads into central Lisbon. The Praça do Comércio was the historic commercial center of Lisbon. The Praça do Comércio reflected the wealth and ambitions of Portugal during the late 18th century. It was here that captains and merchants would plan perilous sea voyages to Brazil, India, and South East Asia and then trade their goods on return. The Praça do Comércio was constructed as the symbolic entrance into Lisbon from these lands, and when stood in the plaza today, it is easy to envisage this. Originally, Portugal’s most important palace, the Paço da Ribeira, stood on the site of the Praça do Comércio, but this royal complex was destroyed by the devasting earthquake and tsunami in 1755. There are panoramic views from the top of Arco da Rua Augusta, there is the informative Lisboa Story Centre, and wine tasting at Vinhos de Portugal. The plaza also boasts numerous fine restaurants, including Lisbon’s oldest restaurant, the Martinho da Arcada, which dates from 1782.
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