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The Rua Augusta Arch built to commemorate the city's reconstruction after the 1755 earthquakeIt has six columns (some 11 m high) and is adorned with statues of various historical figures. Significant height from the arch crown to the cornice imparts an appearance of heaviness to the structure. The associated space is filled with the coat of arms of Portugal. The allegorical group at the top, made by French sculptor Célestin Anatole Calmels, represents Glory rewarding Valor and Genius.

Because of the top cornice's great height (over 100 feet (30 m)), the figures above it had to be made colossal. The female allegory of Glory, which is dressed in peplos and measures 23 feet (7.0 m), stands on a three-step throne and holds two crowns. The Valor is personified by an amazon, partially covered with chlamys and wearing a high-crested helmet with dragon patterns, which were the symbols of the House of Braganza. The Valor's right hand holds the parazonium, with a trophy of flags behind. Near the Genius is the statue of Jupiter and the attributes of writing and arts.

The two recumbent

figures represent the rivers Tagus

and Douro

Comercio Square, Lisbon's monumental riverside square also known as Terreiro do Paço or "the palace's square," is where the royal palace stood for over two centuries until 1755, when it was destroyed by the Great Earthquake. The royal family moved to another residence in the district of Belem, and the new arcaded buildings acted as the port of entry to the city.

Most of the government offices that once surrounded the square have now been taken over by restaurants with outdoor tables and there's a modern interactive museum called "Lisboa Story Centre" dedicated to the history of the city.

Most of the government offices that once surrounded the square have now been taken over by restaurants with outdoor tables and there's a modern interactive museum called "Lisboa Story Centre" dedicated to the history of the city.

In the center of the square is a statue of King Jose I

showing him on

horseback, wearing his emperor's

mantle, and measuring 14

meters in height

counting from the pedestal.

On the north side is a triumphal arch and one of the city's legendary cafes, Café Martinho da Arcada. It dates from 1782 and was a favorite of poets Fernando Pessoa and Almeida Garrett and of novelist Eça de Queiroz.

Comercio Square opens onto Rua Augusta through the triumphal arch (which on the Rua Augusta side has a clock with filigreed stone reliefs).

Rua Augusta is a lively pedestrian street with mosaic pavements, outdoor cafes, international shops, and the occasional street artist and peddler. Immigrants from Africa and South America offer items of wood, metal, or leather, while other vendors sell books, souvenirs, sunglasses, paintings, t-shirts, and anything else to attract the crowds passing by.

Comercio Square opens onto Rua Augusta

Rua Augusta Relief on the façade of the former building of the Banco Nacional Ultramarino

Sound: Mafalda Arnaulth - Luisitana; Ate Logo Meu Amor; Meus Lindos Olhos

Text: InternetPictures: Sanda Foişoreanu Gabriela Cristescu InternetCopyrights of the photos belong to each photographer

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda