Audio GuidePraça Dom Pedro IV

Praça Dom Pedro IV, often called Rossio by locals, sits at the heart of Lisbon and stretches back through more than one thousand years of history. Long ago, the land was a wet valley shaped by streams leading to the Tagus River, later giving way to marketplaces and lively gatherings. The square’s original name, Rossio, simply means a common open space, which matched its role as a meeting point for people from all walks of life.

Avtar Chan

As centuries passed, Rossio evolved from a medieval fairground surrounded by convents and palaces into the spacious plaza visitors enjoy today. The area has witnessed royal parades, public celebrations, and dramatic episodes—festivals, bullfights, and even trials during the Inquisition. Key events like the Carnation Revolution, which ended decades of dictatorship, left their mark here, cementing its status as a stage for both joyous and turbulent moments.

Anthony Of the Great Power

The square’s appearance owes much to the rebuilding efforts after the great Lisbon earthquake of the mid-eighteenth century. Architect Carlos Mardel guided the transformation, shaping Rossio into a rectangular plaza lined by Pombaline buildings—these orderly façades reflect the city’s drive for modern, safer construction. In the mid-nineteenth century, the elegant stone mosaic pavement, known as “calçada,” was added, with black and white waves mimicking the ebb and flow of the nearby sea—an iconic Lisbon touch.

Two grand Baroque fountains rise along the plaza, their bronze and iron sculptures brought from France in the late nineteenth century, splashing gently and attracting visitors day and night. At the center soars a tall column, topped by the bronze statue of Dom Pedro IV. Known as both King of Portugal and the founding Emperor of Brazil, Dom Pedro stands robed and resolute, holding the charter symbolizing his legacy as a champion of constitutional rights. Look closer at the base and you will see four figures—Justice, Prudence, Fortitude, and Moderation—virtues once celebrated as part of his character.

Rossio is also woven into the daily routines of Lisbon’s residents, past and present. For centuries, local poets, thinkers, and political voices gathered in its cafés. The legendary Café Nicola, around since the early nineteenth century, remains a popular stop for both locals and guests seeking a true taste of city culture.

Framing the square to the north is the grand National Theater named after Maria II, daughter of Dom Pedro. To the south, an old arch leads further into the downtown area. Rossio’s lively spirit continues with outdoor markets, artisans, and the endless motion of trams, cars, and laughter echoing from the surrounding streets.

As you pause in the shade of a tree or at a bustling terrace, know you are standing where Roman chariots once raced, where revolts flared, and where a simple gift of flowers helped spark a peaceful revolution. Today, Praça Dom Pedro IV blends vivid history with modern charm—a living showcase of Lisbon’s enduring energy.