Praça dos Restauradores

Praça dos Restauradores is a magnificent square in the Baixa district of Lisbon but many tourist overlook it while the Portuguese tend to ignore it. Praca dos Restauradores contains some of the most architectural important and diverse buildings of Lisbon and was the location that national flag of Portugal was first raised.

Praca dos Restauradores is over looked by many tourists as it is in the opposite direction to the Rio Tejo (River Tagus) and the historic areas of Lisbon. The Portuguese tend to ignore it, as it is the smaller brother of the main square of Lisbon, Praça de Dom Pedro IV (or more commonly known as Rossio). Praça dos Restauradores is the smallest and most northerly of the four squares of Baixa and is connected to Rossio to the south and Avenida da Liberdade to the north.

Praça dos Restauradores translated means Square of the Restorers named after the obelisk monument in the centre of the square, the Monumento aos Restauradores. The Restauradores Obelisk was inaugurated in 1886 and celebrates the independence and end of the 60 years of Spanish rule in 1640. Bizarrely the monument was constructed after the successful struggle from Napoleon’s French invasion and does not commemorate the Peninsular Wars in any fashion.

On either side of the Restauradores Obelisk are inscribed the battles during the 60 year Restoration War and the bronze figures at the base represent victory and freedom. The Restauradores Obelisk was funded by public donation and subscription in both Portugal and Brazil and allowed the designer, António Tomás da Fonseca, to create his flamboyant vision.

Praca dos Restauradores is surrounded buildings from the late 19th and early 20th century, the most intriguing is the old art deco Eden Theatre. The Eden Theatre is one of the most captivating buildings of Lisbon with a mid level garden and beautiful crafted art deco murals and facade. During Eden Theatre’s hay-day the cinema would be busy with crowds viewing the latest silent movie but now the theatre has been converted into an exclusive boutique hotel..........To Page 2