Praça do Comércio
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Sue Wolfe
About this spot
Praça do Comércio, became the home for the royal residence after it was moved from the Castelo de São Jorge in 1511. After the 1755 Earthquake destroyed the palace along with its library of 70,000 books, the square was completely remodeled as part of rebuilding the Baixa neighborhood. While the earthquake caused substantial damage, it was the tsunami (the most powerful ever to hit Europe) that flattened the palace and most of the Baixa district. More than 30,000-75,000 people died in Lisbon. When completed, government buildings stood along three sides of the square with arcades for shops. The south side of the square was left open and faces the Tagus River.
It was first known as Terreiro do Paço (Palace Square), but the name was later changed to reflect its new function—government ministries including those that regulated customs and port activities. The square reflected the wealth of Portugal during the late 18th century. Many a captain and merchant planned their perilous sea voyage to Brazil, India, and Southeast Asia from this square.
On February 1, 1908, King Carlos and his son Luis Felipe were assassinated as they passed through the square. Shots were fired by at least two men. The King died immediately, Luis Filipe was mortally wounded, and Prince Manuel was hit in the arm. The assassins, members of the Republican Party, were shot on the spot by police.
Later in 1974, this was the location for the first uprising of the Armed Forces Movement which overthrew the Caetano regime in a bloodless revolution.
It was first known as Terreiro do Paço (Palace Square), but the name was later changed to reflect its new function—government ministries including those that regulated customs and port activities. The square reflected the wealth of Portugal during the late 18th century. Many a captain and merchant planned their perilous sea voyage to Brazil, India, and Southeast Asia from this square.
On February 1, 1908, King Carlos and his son Luis Felipe were assassinated as they passed through the square. Shots were fired by at least two men. The King died immediately, Luis Filipe was mortally wounded, and Prince Manuel was hit in the arm. The assassins, members of the Republican Party, were shot on the spot by police.
Later in 1974, this was the location for the first uprising of the Armed Forces Movement which overthrew the Caetano regime in a bloodless revolution.
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