Baixa & Chiado

Lisbon's magnificent waterfront square, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake destroyed the Ribeira Royal Palace that stood here for 250 years. The Marquis of Pombal designed the arcaded square as the grand entrance to the rebuilt city. The triumphant Rua Augusta Arch on the north side frames the street grid of the Baixa district. The equestrian statue of King Jose I dominates the center. On February 1, 1908, King Carlos I and his heir were assassinated here, ending the Portuguese monarchy two years later. The yellow-painted buildings now house government ministries and restaurants.

Walk through the Rua Augusta Arch and look back — the framed view of the river through the arch is one of Lisbon's defining vistas. The waterfront steps are perfect for sitting.

The main pedestrian artery of the Baixa district, the world's first earthquake-resistant urban plan. After the catastrophic 1755 earthquake and tsunami killed an estimated 30,000-60,000 Lisboetas, the Marquis of Pombal razed the ruins and rebuilt on a rational grid with standardized buildings, wide streets, and innovative wooden 'gaiola' (cage) frames designed to flex during tremors — tested by having soldiers march around scale models. The triumphal arch at the south end took over a century to complete (1873). Lisbon's Baixa is essentially the world's first modern planned city center.

The elevator to the top of the Rua Augusta Arch is cheap and offers unique rooftop views. The grid streets crossing Rua Augusta each had a specific trade — look for the old street name tiles.