The perfect backdrop for the arrival of royalty in Lisbon and the stage for great historical mishaps and heroic deeds, Terreiro do Paço (also known as Praça do Comércio) has had mixed fortunes. At one time, it was full of cars and then, later, left empty and under-used. Like the elder statesman of Lisbon's squares, it has seen it all. And hence the general desire to turn it back into what this majestic city square can and should be. The work has paid off, because now, a year after completion of the renovation of the western end, it's time to extend the celebrations to the opposite side.
Entertainment and cultural centres, restaurants to suit all tastes, sunny pavement cafés beside the Tagus, music echoing from under the arcades and seagulls flying overhead. At the far end, the river lapping gently against the quay, the Cais das Colunas, becalms the more restless. It's stunning on a sunny day and enigmatic on a grey one and, best of all, there's room for everyone! And that means everyone! Because Lisbon now has a proper square!