Town Hall Square

The Praça do Município in Lisbon, located in the Baixa district, represents an emblematic place both for the political and architectural history of the city. This public space is dominated by the neoclassical building of the Lisbon City Hall, an elegant palace designed by the architect Domingues Parente da Silva. The facade of the palace is adorned with sculptures and pediments, supported by double Corinthian columns, and inside there is an atrium with a magnificent marble staircase. Historically, the square has deep significance for Portugal. It was here that, on October 5, 1910, the republic was proclaimed, putting an end to the Portuguese monarchy. This event is commemorated every year with official celebrations that include speeches from the balcony of the City Hall. The square itself houses an 18th-century pelourinho, a ten-meter high marble column crowned with a golden metal sphere, symbolizing justice and municipal autonomy. The Praça do Município is an example of Lisbon’s urban resilience, having undergone numerous changes following the 1755 earthquake that devastated much of the city. During the reconstruction under the guidance of Marquês de Pombal, the square and its surroundings were redesigned according to modern urban planning principles, incorporating wide straight streets and earthquake-resistant buildings. This allowed Lisbon to rise from its ashes, maintaining its function as the administrative and political heart of the city. The square is also a point of artistic interest thanks to the pavement created in 1997 by the writer and painter Eduardo Nery. This geometric design, reminiscent of a carpet, uses triangles and rectangles to create a unique visual effect, integrating modernity and tradition. Next to the City Hall is the former church of San Giuliano, now transformed into the Museu do Dinheiro, which offers a journey through the history of money and trade in Portugal. This museum is a perfect example of how historic buildings can be reused for new cultural functions, contributing to the intellectual life of the city. Furthermore, the square is well connected thanks to its proximity to the Terreiro do Paço and Baixa-Chiado metro stations, making it easily accessible from any part of the city. This makes it not only an administrative center, but also a transport hub and a meeting point for the community.