Rua Augusta Arch

Take a look at the towering stone arch above Praça do Comércio. This monument took an astonishing 120 years to complete, born from one of history's deadliest earthquakes. On November 1, 1755, a massive earthquake devastated the city, killing between 30,000 and 60,000 people and destroying most of the downtown area. The Marquis of Pombal, who led the reconstruction efforts, envisioned a triumphal arch to celebrate the city rising from ruins.

The original plan was for a simple bell tower, but architect Veríssimo José da Costa transformed it into an elaborate arch in 1843. Construction dragged on for decades due to political instability and lack of funds. French sculptor Célestin Anatole Calmels created the massive allegorical sculptures at the top, where Glory crowns Valor and Genius. Each figure stands over 7 meters tall, designed to be seen from the expansive square below. Four Portuguese heroes guard the columns: Vasco da Gama, the explorer who reached India; Nuno Álvares Pereira, a revered military commander; Viriatus, an ancient Lusitanian warrior; and the Marquis of Pombal himself.

The arch was finally inaugurated in 1873, but remained closed to the public for 140 years. In 2013, visitors could climb inside for the first time, reaching a terrace with panoramic views over the Tagus River and the grid of streets rebuilt after the earthquake.