Lisbon - Praça dos Restauradores
The southern end of the Avenida da Liberdade is formed by the Praça dos Restauradores. The square's name refers to the time of the restoration, the reestablishment of Portuguese independence after 60 years of Spanish rule. On December first 1640 a successful revolt against Spain occurred, for which a large group of Portuguese noblemen had secretly prepared nearby in the Palácio da Independéncia.
Today December first is celebrated as one of Portugal's national holidays, with a commemoration taking place every year on the Praça dos Restauradores.
Today December first is celebrated as one of Portugal's national holidays, with a commemoration taking place every year on the Praça dos Restauradores.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Things to See
Eden-Teatro
Built in the 1930s by Cassiano Brànco, the Eden-Teatro on the west side of the Praça dos Restauradores was for a long time one of Lisbon's leading cinemas. Today it is closed; it is being discussed whether a hotel should be built in its place, retaining the original facade.
Elevador da Gloria
Two unusual means of transport link Baixa with Bairro Alto: the Elevador do Carmo and the Elevador da Glória. This funicular railroad dates from 1885. It starts from the Praça dos Restauradores next to the Palácio Foz and it climbs to above the Calçada da Glória. The upper station is located on the Rua de Sao Pedro de Alcântara immediately next to the Miradouro of the same name.
Hotel Avenida Palace
The old established Hotel Avenida Palace on the corner of the Largo de Dom Joao da Câmara was designed - like the neighboring Neo Manueline Estaçao Rossio - by the architect J. Luis Monteiro. The luxurious hotel was built in 1892, five years later the station. The building evokes a cosmopolitan and liberal impression, reminiscent of the first years of the Avenida da Liberdade. On the corner opposite to the hotel stands a kiosk which was built in the Art Nouveau style shortly before the turn of the century. Tickets can be bought here in advance for all types of events.
The Hotel Avenida Palace is easily accessible by public transport.
The Hotel Avenida Palace is easily accessible by public transport.
Monumento dos Restauradores de Portugal
A 30m/99ft tall obelisk stands in the center of the busy square. The Monumento dos Restauradores de Portugal was unveiled in 1886. The bronze figure on the pedestal represents Victory (holding a palm leaf and a crown) and the spirit of independence. Place names and the dates of the battles of restoration are inscribed on the sides.
Palacio Foz
Shortly after the earthquake, in 1755, the Marques de Castelo Melhor had this palace built by the Italian architect Fabri. It owes its present name to the Marqués da Foz, who inherited the palace in 1869. At the beginning of the 20th C. some of the rooms were used for theater, cinema, revista, variety and dance presentations. Today the palace houses the main tourist information office, a small gallery and a media and press department.
