There is a new monument in Lisbon to add to your city tour itinerary: a viewpoint offering a spectacular view of the surrounding area. This is the Arco da Rua Augusta, completely renovated and now finally open to the public, ready to be visited and to provide unforgettable panoramas.
The Arco da Rua Augusta stands 11 meters high, allowing visitors to gaze over the Terreiro do Paço, Baixa district, the Se Cathedral, the São Jorge Castle, and the Tagus River.
Six columns support the structure, which symbolizes a gateway to the sea, decorated further by nine statues with various meanings.
On the lowest level of this imposing monument are sculptures created by Vítor Bastos: to the east, Vasco da Gama and Viriato; to the west, the Marquis of Pombal and the military saint Nuno Álvares Pereira. There are also two other figures representing the Tagus and Douro rivers.
Higher up, there are more works: sculptor Célestin Anatole Calmels created the statues that symbolize Valor and Genius, crowned by Glory.
Finally, at the base of this allegorical group, you can read a phrase in Latin: “Virtutibus maiorum ut sit omnibus Documento P (ecunia) P (ublica) D (icatum)…“.
The Arco da Rua Augusta is located on the north side of Praça do Comercio, on Rua Augusta. The ascent to the top is possible thanks to an elevator, whose entrance is located on Rua Augusta.
The ticket costs 2.50 euros per person – quite affordable – and children under 5 years old enter free. The Arco da Rua Augusta in Lisbon is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
