Lisbon: Praca Dom Pedro IV/ Rossio Square

24/10/2016

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A bronze fountain on the south side of the square with the column of Pedro IV and The National Theatre D.Maria II in the background. Pedro IV/ Rossio Square, Lisbon, Portugal.

Lisbon's favourite meeting place, Rossio Square.

Panorama of Pedro IV/ Rossio Square, Lisbon, Portugal - Pattern pavement, the Column of Pedro IV, a broze fountain and the National Theatre D.Maria II (Teatro Nacional D.Maria II).

Panorama of Pedro IV Square (Rossio Square).

Portuguese pattern pavement in Pedro IV/ Rossio Square, Lisbon, Portugal

The pattern pavement in Rossio Square.

Commonly known as Rossio square, Praça Dom Pedro IV or Pedro IV Square is located central to the city, in the Pombaline Baixa district of Lisbon and has been a popular place for people to meet since the Middle Ages. Considered to be the main square in Lisbon, Rossio has played host to celebrations, bullfights, popular revolts and was also the site of public executions during the era of the Inquisitions.

Just like Praça do Comércio and the remainder of Pombaline Baixa, Rossio Square did not fair so well during the great 1755 Lisbon Earthquake and was in need of complete remodelling. Prominent features visible in the square today we're established in the 19th century. The traditional Portuguese mosaic pavement was installed as well as 2 large bronze fountains imported from France. The National Theatre D.Maria II (Teatro Nacional D.Maria II) was constructed between 1842 and 1846 on the north side of the square on the site of Estaus Palace, which had survived the earthquake only to be destroyed by fire years later. In 1874 the Column of Pedro IV was erected, and the square received its current official name.