Local area

Its name is a reference to the 1st Marquess of Pombal, 1st Count of Oeiras, the mighty prime-minister who ruled Portugal from 1750 to 1777. In the middle of the roundabout there is a large column dedicated to him. A bronze statue of the Marquess is on the top, with a lion (symbol of power) by his side. The Marquess is shown looking towards the Baixa Pombalina, the area of Lisbon that was rebuilt under his direction after the disastrous 1755 Lisbon Earthquake.

Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon, located downtown at Av. da Liberdade just off "Praca dos Restauradores", completes the ultimate Discovery of our Modern Times and launches you into an atmosphere of electrifying and priceless rock n' roll memorabilia. Offering trendy merchandise, thirst quenching drinks and great food all enjoyed in an atmosphere of high energy music and completed by Hard Rock Cafe's famous service, the Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon is the place to be! (in www.hardrock.com).

Also known as Palace Square – a clear reference to the Palace that was located here for 400 years, until the earthquake in 1755 that almost completely destroyed it – this is one of the most majestic squares of Lisbon and was once the main maritime entrance to Lisbon. Visitors can still see the old marble steps leading up to Commerce Square from the River Tagus.

Perched above the enticing tangle of streets in Alfama, the hilltop citadel of Castelo de São Jorge (Saint George Castle) is a captivating place to contemplate Lisbon’s long history. Visitors can walk along the reconstructed ramparts of the castle walls, climb the towers and enjoy astonishing views over the city and the Tagus River.

The Rossio railway station is a fascinating neo-manueline style building set between Rossio Square and Restauradores Square and was designed by the architect José Luís Monteiro. The eight doors match the nine palatial windows and the incredibly decorated clock tower located on the top of the facade. Rossio station is a curiosity in that the platforms are some 30 metres above the main entrance. Services from here are all suburban trains to the tourist sights of Sintra via Queluz.

This astonishing gothic monument was founded by Nuno Alvares Pereira, the commander that became a member of the Carmelite Order. Its construction was finished in 1423 and was at that time the biggest church in Lisbon. The ruins of the Carmo Church, left by the devastating earthquake in 1755, represent centuries of history and are best seen from the Baixa (downtown) especially from Graça, from Rossio or from St. George Castle. Inside the ruins you will find the Archaeological Carmo Museum.

Eduardo VII Park is located on the extreme north side of the Liberty Avenue, right behind the Marquess of Pombal Square. Within the park you can find the Sports Pavilion, some lakes, statues, an amazing sculpture made by João Cutileiro in a reference to the 25th of April Revolution, Clube VII with tennis court, gym, swimming pool and restaurant. Don't miss the Cold Greenhouse, a real green museum where plants and flowers from the five continents grow harmoniously together.

The Shaaré Tikva Synagogue is located in Lisbon, on Rua Alexandre Herculano, being the main synagogue of the Israeli Community of Lisbon. The community has its origin in the nineteenth century in families from North Africa.