LISBON | RUA AUGUSTA ARCH

LISBON | RUA AUGUSTA ARCH

Rua Augusta arch_Lisbon_Portugal

As arches go, it’s quite impressive—but the real reason it’s on my Lisbon top ten list is for the breathtaking 360° panoramic view from the top.

First, a bit of history.

The magnificent Arco da Rua Augusta provides a grand entryway to the city of Lisbon from the Praça do Comércio (the Square of Commerce), a port of call on the Tagus River. The arch was built to commemorate the rebuilding of Lisbon from the ashes of a devastating earthquake in 1755.

Rua Augusta Arch_Lisbon_portugal

French sculptor Célestin Anatole Calmels created the allegorical group of sculptures at the top, representing Glory rewarding Valor and Genius.

Rua_Augusta_(Lisboa)

To get to the top, there’s an elevator that takes you part of the way. Then narrow winding stairs lead to the tip top, via a clever system of red light, green light.

If there’s a green light, the coast is clear. You press the button before embarking into the stairwell to turn on the light red at the other end, indicating that you are en route, and thereby avoiding a head-on collision with someone coming the other way.

Rua Augusta arch_Lisbon_Portugal

Rua Augusta arch_Lisbon_portugal

And then you emerge onto the top of the arch and gasp at the view.

This is the view all the way up Rua Augusta.

Rua Augusta_Lisbon_Portugal

And down onto the Praça do Comércio and the River Tagus.

Praça do Comércio_Lisbon_Portugal

Praça do Comércio_Lisbon_Portugal

Praça do Comércio_Lisbon_Portugal

You can see the Castelo de São Jorge (Castle of St. George) above the rooftops.

Castelo de São Jorge_Lisbon_Portugal

And the 12th century cathedral on one of Lisbon’s countless hills.

Lisbon cathedral_Lisbon_Portugal

Get up close and personal with the sculptures of Genius and Valor, being crowned by Glory.

Genius statue_Lisbon_Portugal

Valor_Rua Augusta Arch_Lisbon_Portugal

You’ll take too many pictures, because the assemblage of terra cotta roofs on the hills is so charming…

Lisbon_Portugal

And if you zoom in on the Praça do Comércio, you can see children gathered around the bubble vendor.

Okay, that’s optional, but I couldn’t resist.

Bubble vendor_Praca do Comerico_Lisbon_Portugal

I’m just saying.

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There is 1 comment for this article
  1. Barbara at 7:19 pm

    Wow…love the close shots of Valor and Genius- wait, I love all the photos.  What a magical place.  Thanks, Pam xoxo

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