Lisbon, the most important city in Portugal, is full of wonderful places that every visitor should know. One of them is the Rua Augusta Arch, an immense monument that stands near the Praça do Comércio, and symbolizes the courage and resistance of the Portuguese people.
Like many other European metropolises, Lisbon is a coastal city, closely linked to the marine tradition and navigation. However, the long history of this town has not been free of difficulties, which are still remembered today.
One of those decisive moments was the earthquake of 1755, which destroyed almost the entire city. This natural disaster did not come alone, as it was accompanied by a fierce tsunami and terrible fires.
Likewise, it is said that this very powerful earthquake caused significant damage in Spain and Morocco.
At the end of that year, little was left of the old Lisbon, so it was necessary to start with the reconstruction plans. These were to remake the city, but also to give it a renewed spirit, one that paid tribute to the bravery of its citizens.
Starting from this idea, the construction of the Rua Augusta Arch began, a majestic triumphal arch, which stands near the heart of the Portuguese capital.
This is a classic and imposing monument, which stands out for its immense central arch, as well as for the extensive corridors that function as lower pillars. These corridors, quite high for their time, have their own arches, which are just as robust but smaller than the main one.
In the same way, the main arch is delicately decorated with different sculptures and inscriptions. As for its sculptural ensemble, it is made up of representations of glory, courage and genius.
These sculptures are located in the upper part of the monument, while in its lower bases we find statues of distinguished Portuguese figures, such as Vasco de Gama, Nuno Álvares Pereira and the Marqués de Pombal, who was the first to draw up the initial plans for the reconstruction of Lisbon after the earthquake.
Also, on its upper front, just below the three great statues of glory, courage and genius, there is a shield and an inscription celebrating the virtue of the Portuguese. Similarly, one of the greatest attractions of the Rua Augusta Arch is its clock, which is at the back of the monument, facing the street and not towards the square.
Currently, this is a space open to the public, and anyone who wants to know it can come to it. Likewise, the Rua Augusta Arch opened a tourist route through its interior, which passes through the different floors that make up the corridors and up to the top of the monument.
In order to enter the Rua Augusta Arch, you must purchase a ticket. Tickets include the tour and access to the viewpoint of the monument.
Also, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit to the Clock Room, where the story of the Rua Augusta Arch and the role of the Portuguese conquerors in the Age of Discovery is told. Take advantage of the fact that you are in the Commerce Square to visit it, it will surprise you.
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