In Lisbon’s list of recognizable monuments, Arco da Rua Augusta would rank near the top, next to Belém Tower or the Monument to the Discoveries. (Here’s a post with all three.) It was built to commemorate the reconstruction after the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755, which levelled much of the city. Situated along the bank of the Rio Tejo, the arch anchors the north end of Praça do Comércio and serves as an entryway to busy Rua da Augusta.
As you can see, the area is teeming with tourists in August, which is why I didn’t even attempt to visit the top of the arch (only 35 people are permitted at one time), but I will try to make it up there for an off-season visit. The arch was renovated in 2013 over a seven-month period at a sum of €950,000, reopening to the public on August 9, 2013, to include visits to the top (€2.50) for 360-degree views.
In related Lisbon news, you will find my face and words in the Lisbon section of Air Transat’s 2017-2018 Europe brochure, which is out in print right now. You can see a part of it here. I may not be in Canada anymore, but my face is still hanging around!
{ More photos of Lisbon in the album. }
August 14, 2016
Album: Lisbon 2016
