COMMERCIAL PRACTICE

The Praça do Comércio, called Terreiro do Paço (the esplanade of the Palace), was rebuilt, after the earthquake, on the ruins of the former royal palace erected for Dom José I. The equestrian statue of the latter sits in the centre of the square, while the Arc de Triomphe, which opens Augusta Street, represents the allegories of the three great Portuguese rivers: the Tagus, the Douro and the Mondego. It is possible to climb to the top of the triumphal arch (Arco da rua Augusta) to admire an exceptional view of the city and the Tagus ! You will probably not fail to make a selfie at the level of the statue (it is not by chance that sellers offer selfy poles nearby). The Place du Commerce was built according to the book of Thoth, and for this reason it has seventy-eight arches. Further down the shore, marked by the columns of Hercules, spices, gold and slaves from distant colonies were once unloaded. It is easy to imagine the scene, a real journey back in time... There are often musicians who play and invite you to take a few moments to look at the river. The elegant buildings of the Place du Commerce have long contained the Stock Exchange, ministries and some administrations, most of which have been transformed into museums, cafés or restaurants. For a long time, however, this famous square was not one because it was a huge car park and only relatively recently has it become a major landmark in Lisbon. Since then, it has been one of the city's most famous and symbolic places, where the Portuguese can gather to express their joy or dissatisfaction. The city hall is only a few blocks to the west, in Praça do Município, and the main tourist office in Lisbon is really just next door. La Praça do Comércio is also a place of leisure where you can enjoy a drink on the terrace. It is certainly one of the first places that tourists come to visit when they discover Lisbon for the first time. In the evening, concerts are often held in the square and street artists regularly come to perform, attracting a crowd of locals and tourists in a friendly atmosphere. It is also where we gather on December 31 to see the fireworks display at the twelve strokes of midnight. There are also festivals in the summer. In short, Praça do Comércio, by day and by night, is truly a must in Lisbon.