The Rua Augusta Arch, also known as the Arco da Rua Augusta, stands at the southern end of Rua Augusta in Lisbon, Portugal. It is a triumphal arch built to commemorate the rebuilding of the city after the 1755 earthquake, and it marks the entrance to the grand square that opens onto the Tagus River.
What to see
- The arch itself, a monument to the city's reconstruction after the earthquake of 1755.
- The viewpoint at the top, which looks out over Commerce Square and the Tagus River.
- The street below, Rua Augusta, a long pedestrian thoroughfare lined with shops and cafés.
The visit
The arch is a short stop rather than a full day out, but the climb to the viewpoint rewards the effort with a wide outlook over the square and the river. It suits anyone already walking through the downtown area, and it pairs naturally with a stroll along Rua Augusta before or after.
The monument sits in the Baixa district, the part of Lisbon rebuilt in the decades following the 1755 earthquake, so the arch also offers a way to read the layout of the old city centre. Commerce Square, framed by the arch, is a good place to sit and watch the river and the city's traffic and light.
For opening times, tickets or other practical details, you can call +351 213 211 700. The address is R. Augusta 2, 1100-053 Lisboa, Portugal.