Marquês de Pombal Square - where Lisbon circulates

The Marquês de Pombal Square is the most important transit movement spot in Lisbon

The Marquês de Pombal Square, better known as the Rotunda do Marquês de Pombal, was born from the extension of Avenida da Liberdade, the former Pombaline Public Promenade, and is located between this avenue and the Park Eduardo VII. This roundabout, which honors the prime minister who rebuilt Lisbon after the earthquake of 1755, helped to structure the new space of the city, to the North.

Under the square passes the Tunnel of the Marquis, an extensive road tunnel that connects the Avenue Fontes Pereira de Melo to the highway A5, that follows to the counties to the west of the capital. This is a historical roundabout, where decisive events for the proclamation of the Republic occured, that took place on October 5, 1910. Most of the buildings in Marquês de Pombal Square, which are now mostly occupied by hotels and offices, date from the XX century.

The statue of Marquês de Pombal is at the top of a monument on this square, whose construction was completed in 1934. Its charges were paid by public subscription, and the contributions were made through the acquisition of postage stamps with the image of the statue.

The figure of the Marquis was carved in bronze, with one hand resting on a lion, representing the strength and determination of royalty, and eyes overlooking the downtown, which he helped to rebuild after the earthquake. At the base of the pedestal are the allegorical sculptures, which represent the reforms undertaken by the statesman. He became famous for the quote, after the earthquake "burry the dead, take care of the ones alive."