Praça Dom Pedro IV (Rossio)

One of the three most important squares in Lisbon is the Praça de D. Pedro IV in Baixa, in the main downtown area. Also known as Rossio, it is one of the city’s main attractions.

Praça Dom Pedro IV | Rossio

In addition to the two squares Praça da Figueira and the Praça do Comércio, the Praça de D. Pedro IV is one of the most important inner-city squares in Lisbon. The colloquial name Rossio goes back to the former importance of the square. From the 13th and 14th centuries, Lisbon expanded more and more towards the banks of the Tejo. The inhabitants now lived around the hill of the Castle of São Jorge. The name Rossio means something like “field without inhabitants” in old Portuguese.

The official name goes back to the Portuguese king Pedro IV. In the middle of the square there is now a bronze statue of the king on a pillar.

In the Middle Ages the square became the main center of the city centre. Important buildings, such as civil and charitable buildings, were built around the square. Among other things, the Royal All Saints Hospital. The earthquake of 1755 destroyed almost all the buildings around the square. During construction, the arch (Arco da Bandeira) was erected on Rua dos Sapateiros.

The Teatro Nacional D. Maria II am Rossio was built in the classicist style from 1842 to 1846. It stands on the site of the Palácio das Almadas, the Independence Palace, which was destroyed in a fire.

The two French fountains with bronze sculptures and the typical Portuguese floor mosaic were only built in the 19th century. The wave-like gray and white paving stones characterize the image of the square. It symbolizes the proximity of the sea and the importance of water for Lisbon.

In the vicinity of the Rossio are, among others, the Elevador de Santa Justa, the Igreja de São Domingos and the Igreja de São Roque.

Visitors per year

The public square is visited by millions of people every year.

address

Praça Dom Pedro IV

Opening Hours

The place is freely accessible and is not subject to opening times.

Ticket Prices

No ticket is required to visit the square.

Tickets