Rossio Square

Rossio Square (or Pedro IV square) is the beating heart of the city. It has been so since the Middle Ages. On the north end of all the straight lined Ruas starting from Praça do Commercio this square lies in the shadow of Elevador de Santa Justa. It has two baroque fountains on either side & a 27meters monument with marble allegories of justice, wisdom & moderation dedicated to King Pedro IV whose statue stands on the top.

On the north side is the monumental neoclassical building of Dona Maria II National Theater which replaced Estaus Palace, the palace which used to house the Portuguese Inquisition before the earthquake of 1755. On the western side of the square lie several atmospheric & art deco cafes like Café Nicola that dates back to the 18th century. The Rossio Railway station built in 1887 in neo-Manueline style is another emblematic building that you will be impressed on you long after you leave the Portuguese capital.