Rua Augusta Arch

Lisbon, Portugal

The Rua Augusta Arch was built to commemorate the city's reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake. It has six columns (some 11 m high) and is adorned with statues of various historical figures. Significant height from the arch crown to the cornice imparts an appearance of heaviness to the structure. The associated space is filled with the coat of arms of Portugal. The allegorical group at the top, made by French sculptor Célestin Anatole Calmels, represents Glory rewarding Valor and Genius.

Originally designed as a bell tower, the building was ultimately transformed into an elaborate arch after more than a century.

Because of the top cornice's great height, the figures above it had to be made colossal. The female allegory of Glory stands on a three-step throne and holds two crowns. Valor is personified by an amazon, partially covered with chlamys and wearing a high-crested helmet with dragon patterns, which were the symbols of the House of Braganza. her left hand holds the parazonium, with a trophy of flags behind. The Genius encompasses a statue of Jupiter behind his left arm. At his left side are the attributes of writing and arts.

The four statues over the columns, made by Victor Bastos, represent Nuno Alvares Pereira and Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, Marquis of Pombal on the right, and Vasco da Gama and Viriatus on the left. The two recumbent figures represent the rivers Tagus and Douro.

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Address

Rua Augusta 1, Lisbon, Portugal
See all sites in Lisbon

Details

Founded: 1755
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Portugal

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

S.K. Jindal (14 months ago)
It’s a lovely and happening place with lots people playing their style of music. Sea front is also refreshing with a view. Lots of Colors which makes this area a quite picturesque one. We spent around 2-3 hours at this place, just laying by the sea was very nice and calm.
Rita (14 months ago)
Arco da Rua Augusta is one of historical place to visit while you visit Lisbon. We went here the last time in June 2022. Pros: 1. The location is in the city center of Lisbon. It is on the famous street of Rua Augusta. 2. The arco has a beautiful architecture. 3. You can visit the place for free. Cons: 1. The place is too crowded because so many people want to take a picture here, especially in the morning and afternoon.
Vlad Bezden (16 months ago)
One of the best places in Lisbon, Portugal. There is an entrance to the top of "Arco da Rua Augusta." I strongly recommend visiting it. There is a spectacullar view of the city, particularly the plaza. On the top, there are not that many people, and I believe it's because not many people know about it. As of May 2022, the entrance is three euros.
Manish Vatyatill (16 months ago)
This beautiful gateway to Lisbon is located close to Terreiro do Paco metro. This looks outstanding just pay €3 euro to have the top view which looks stunning. Worth every penny. P.S : If you don’t want to pay €3 just take the Lisboa Card then this attraction is free of charge. Love it so much even bought a souvenir.
Anthony O'Connell-Gros (17 months ago)
Nice archway that you can see from many places in the city. From this side it is the best. Take a couple of pictures and enjoy it presence then walk down to the waterfront and take a look at the scenery. All in all a solid place to have a look around, would definitely recommend to stop by and have a look.
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