Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square)

Praça do Comércio stands as one of Europe's most beautiful and impressive public squares, a magnificent yellow-colonnaded plaza that opens majestically onto the Tagus River. Measuring 175 meters by 175 meters, this vast square was designed as Lisbon's grand ceremonial entrance - the 'Gateway to Lisbon' where visiting dignitaries, explorers, and traders first set foot after disembarking from ships. The square is framed on three sides by elegant 18th-century Pombaline buildings painted in distinctive bright yellow with arcaded ground floors housing cafes, restaurants, and government offices. The southern side opens entirely to the river via a broad marble staircase known as Cais das Colunas (Pier of Columns), flanked by two monumental columns that once marked the royal landing point. At the center of the square stands an imposing equestrian statue of King José I, whose prime minister, the Marquis of Pombal, masterminded Lisbon's reconstruction after the devastating 1755 earthquake. The northern end of the square is dominated by the magnificent Arco da Rua Augusta, a triumphal arch adorned with allegorical statues representing Glory, Genius, and Valor, crowned by a dramatic sculptural group. Visitors can climb inside the arch for spectacular rooftop views. The square is historically known as Terreiro do Paço (Palace Square) because the royal Ribeira Palace stood here for nearly 250 years until the 1755 earthquake and tsunami completely destroyed it. The Marquis of Pombal seized the opportunity to redesign the waterfront, creating this grand neoclassical square as part of his ambitious Baixa rebuilding project. Today, Praça do Comércio serves as Lisbon's living room - a place where locals and tourists gather, events and concerts take place, and the essence of Lisbon's relationship with the sea is palpable. The square witnessed some of Portugal's most dramatic historical moments, including the assassination of King Carlos I and Crown Prince Luís Filipe in 1908, which helped precipitate the end of the monarchy. For cruise passengers, this square is especially significant as it's the closest major landmark to the cruise terminals, making it the perfect first impression of Lisbon.