The stone triumphal arch of Rua Augusta is one of the symbols of Lisbon, often visited and photographed. It is located on the Praca Comercio square and apart from being monumental and unrealistically beautiful, it is a significant historical attraction. In 1755, Lisbon was hit by a catastrophic earthquake, and after 100 years, this triumphal arch was built in memory of the reconstruction of the city, which suffered a lot. When they started building the gate, it was conceived as a bell tower, and in the end a triumphal arch was created.
This high triumphal arch is adorned with 4 statues of important historical Portuguese personalities, one of them is the statue of Vasco da Gama (explorer and sailor), the Marquis of Pombal (a significant figure in Portuguese history, especially after the earthquake), the statue of Viriata (he brought Portugal independence from Rome) and a statue of Alvarez Pereira (a fighter for Portuguese independence) by Vitor Bastos.
In addition, the triumphal arch is supported by 11 pillars, over 10 meters high. At the gate there is a figure of a woman symbolizing Glory, then a statue of Jupiter, lying figures representing the river Tagus and the river Douro, and at the very top of the arch you can see figures symbolizing glory, accompanied by courage and genius.
This triumphal arch really impresses everyone with its beauty and grandeur. The Triumphal Arch is not only a symbol of the new Lisbon, but also a symbol of all the inhabitants of this city and all that they have survived. The gate is supported on the sides by two long yellow historic buildings, and by passing through the gate itself, one enters the tiny Rua Augusta street, which is a pedestrian zone, with restaurants, boutiques and souvenir shops. On the other side, the triumphal arch overlooks the river. The yellow tram 28 passes just below the triumphal arch on its route, so a tour of this building is unavoidable.
You can visit the triumphal arc and enjoy the magnificent view of the city and the rooftops of Lisbon. This gate represents a magnificent entrance to the city of Lisbon, and it is impossible to bypass. On the "other side" of the gate, there is a large plateau on which, as in almost every important square, there is a statue of winner on a horse.
The price of the entrance depends on whether you only visit the gate without the history of the gate
Individual visit without room with clock: 3 euros
Children up to 5 years old do not pay the entrance fee.
The gate plus a story about its origin with photos 8 euros, for children 4.50 euros
Author of the text:
Maja Glavaš, Bachelor with Honours in Communicology. Works in Tourism.
Contact: [email protected]; instagram: travel_europe1
