Praca do Comercio Postcard

Praca do Comercio, Lisbon, Portugal The old Lisbon including the royal residences were destroyed during an earthquake and tidal wave in 1775. The rebuilding effort was coordinated by Marquis of Pombal, prime minister of the king Jose I. The old downtown (Baixa) was rebuilt in 'Pombaline' style. On the former site of the royal palace an enormous U-shaped square was created. The square is surrounded by a symmetrical building designed by Eugénio dos Santos. These buildings were filled with government offices dedicated to the commerce and customs. The equestrian statue of Jose I decorates the square. The last element added to the Praca do Comercio is the Triumphal Arch which connects the busy pedestrian street with the square. The Arch was designed by Verissimo da Costa.