Arco da Rua Augusta

Historical landmark · Rossio

Arco da Rua Augusta

Historical landmark · Rossio

1

R. Augusta 2, 1100-053 Lisboa, Portugal

Photos

Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by Photo by Rita Alves
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null
Arco da Rua Augusta by null

Highlights

Ornate arch with sculpted figures offering city views  

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R. Augusta 2, 1100-053 Lisboa, Portugal Get directions

visitlisboa.com

Information

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R. Augusta 2, 1100-053 Lisboa, Portugal Get directions

visitlisboa.com

Features

wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Sep 3, 2025

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@afar

"Lisbon's Triumphant Arch Blame it on all those years admiring the Arc de Triumph in Paris as I made my way on my daily commute; but I love a beautiful and strong visual monument at the beginning or end of a grand avenue. This example of one in Lisbon is especially sweet. Originally designed to house a bell tower, the Rua Augusta Arch is a historical building on Commerce Square, that was built to commemorate the city's rebirth after the 1755 earthquake. How appropriate that a French sculptor is responsible for the stone representations of Glory, Valor and Genius at the top."

The Best Things to Do in Lisbon
View Postcard for Arco da Rua Augusta

Aaron Eagles

Google
A vast area close the water that has lots to see, there was a mini market with stalls serving up along the outer sides that sold lots of unique items. The amount of people as guessed is quite a lot and everyone is trying to take nice photos so timing when to come is crucial. A great place to see and walk by if near.

ashena sparrow

Google
Only 4,50€ per person. There was no line or wait to go up. There are a couple of staircases to get up top after the elevator but well worth it once you see the spectacular view. Rode past the "Elevator" lift line on the way down to the Arch and it was very long! This was certainly the better attraction, unless you can't climb stairs. We were able to capture photos from multiple angles showing Christo Rei, the Bay Bridge/sea, downtown and the hills. So very beautiful.

Mustafa Atahan Nuhoglu

Google
The Rua Augusta Arch is really impressive to see up close. Standing under it, you notice all the details in the sculptures and how grand it feels at the entrance to Praça do Comércio.

Xin yi Cloud

Google
Went around 3pm on Wednesday and hardly anyone was there! The view at the top was breathtaking. We had the lisboa card and stopped by and we were very happy we did. Its nothing too special to come to look at but if your in the area, highly recommended. :)

Ekin

Google
A very beautiful arch looking through the Commercio Square, the Tagus River, and the long avenue behind. Around this arch, there are lots of must-see places so you can’t miss it. Very easy to access here with different public transportation options, including tram, metro, and buses.

Ken K

Google
Standing between the end of Rua Augusta and Terreiro do Paço is the grandiose triumphal arch commemorating Lisbon's recovery after the 1755 earthquake. On the left side of the arch is a statue of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama, representing Portugal's golden age of exploration as the first European to reach India by sea. On the right is a statue of the Marquês de Pombal, the hero who rebuilt Lisbon after the earthquake. This grandiose arch represents Portuguese history and their global dominance during the golden age. It is a must-see when you are in Lisbon.

Local Guide

Google
The biggest secret in lisbon is the fact that you can go to the top of the arch for less than $5. And it's really empty up there with a gorgeous view of the square and the street. Just look for the little sign on the left when facing the water right next to the arch. It's easy to miss, but it's definitely worth finding.

Violina Pesheva

Google
By day Lisbon has a naive theatrical quality that enchants and captivates, but by night it is a fairy-tale city, descending over lighted terraces to the sea, like a woman in festive garments going down to meet her dark lover. A stunning triumphal arch in the heart of Lisbon! The detailed sculptures are impressive, and the views from the top are breathtaking. Located at Praça do Comércio, it’s a great spot to explore and take photos. Highly recommended!
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Stacy M.

Yelp
"To the winch, wench." ("Neverending Story") The Arco da Rua Augusta/Arch of Triumph is a stone memorial arch at the end of Rua Augusta street that majestically connects Lisbon to the Tagus River. Passing through the arch gateway from Rua Augusta street, one can confidently enter Praça do Comercio square without fear of being annihilated by lasers shot from giant, angry sphinxes. The arch was built to commemorate the reconstruction of Lisbon following the 1755 earthquake and tsunami that leveled the city and took the lives of an estimated 70,000 people. As per "The Neverending Story", "Nothing is lost...Everything is transformed." Lisbon was thereafter beautifully transformed and rebuilt with the world's first anti-seismic architecture, perhaps aided by a little boy's magical wishes. The arch is beautifully crowned by three sculptures that symbolize Glory, Genius, and Valor. The remaining statues are historical figures that include the Marquis of Pombal and Vasco da Gama. Visitors can reach the top of the arch via spiral staircase or elevator for stunning 360° views of the city, including Praça do Comércio and the Tagus River. No need for wenches to be winched up! This arch is a must see landmark when visiting Lisbon--I give it five flying Falkors! *Entrance is free with the Lisbon Card
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Casey M.

Yelp
I was so excited to see the stunning stone memorial arch which stands on the Praça do Comércio. It was built to commemorate the city's reconstruction after the earthquake and what a fitting tribute it is and even more stunning at night!
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Bruce K.

Yelp
Doesn't every city need a grand triumphal arch? This is the one for Lisbon and it is indeed grand. Standing at the back of the Praça do Comércio, this arch is the entrance to the city and the main shopping/restaurant district. It was deisgned by architect Santos de Carvalho to celebrate the reconstruction of the city after the 1755 earthquake. It was completed in 1873 with a plan by Verissimo José da Costa. Four figures over the top represent real people - Nuno Álvares Pereira (1350-1431, a Portuguese general), Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo (1699-1782, the Marquis of Pombal who acted as Secretary of State following the earthquake and is chiefly responsible for the design of this district), Vasco da Gama (c. 1460s - 1524, the first European to reach India by sea), and Viriathus (leader of the Lusitanian people that resisted Roman expansion into the area). Others are allegorical to represent Glory, Genius and Valor as well as the Douro and Tagus rivers. This is a major meeting spot for tours and a great place to get a picture. With the trolleys, it is one of the major emblematic symbols of Lisbon and Portugal. [Review 16578 overall - 96 in Portugal - 88 of 2022.]
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Spencer Q.

Yelp
Didn't go up the arch but from the outside it's very pretty. It is definitely nice seeing it at night. Highly recommend it!
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Cristine G.

Yelp
Yelp 100 Challenge 2019 - # 41/100 This is one of the tourist spots we visited while in Lisbon. We just took the bus from Cathedral de Lisboa and followed the crowd towards the Shops and cafes surrounding the square or Praca do Comercio. The Arch was stunning the backdrop of the clear blue skies and pristine clouds of Lisbon.
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Richard S.

Yelp
Siting next to the Tagus river is where the Rua Augusta starts. This triumphal arch is open to the public to climb for 2.50 euros giving you a 360 degree view of Baxia.
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Wendy A.

Yelp
This magnificent Arch is one of the most emblematic tourist attractions in Lisbon and after going there I understood why so pretty. I loved it during the day and night time too. But it is best when you see it at night because you can see with the nice lighting the have, all the detail the made to this arch years ago. When you walk along with this place you can find many restaurants around and the beautiful water is right in front too. A place to be!!!
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Steph G.

Yelp
From the exterior, the Arco da Rua Augusta is beautiful! But don't miss the chance to take the windy stairs up to the top to get a breathtaking 360 view of the Atlantic and the surroundings. In my opinion this is worth the €3 to climb up the steep staircase. I would suggest coming up before sunset on a clear day to really soak in the beauty that is Lisbon. You take a small elevator up to the connection where you then climb up a spiral staircase that gets really narrow AND STEEP. The inside of the Arc isn't anything super impressive but once you get outside, your jaw drops! We went in the mid afternoon on a super sunny clear day and the views were amazing. You can see the 25 de Abril bridge (twin to Golden Gate of SF) peeping through the clouds, the Atlantic and fishermen coming back from a long day of work, locals sitting outside enjoying some Rosè sangria by the water. On the other side you get to see the hilly and winding roads of Lisbon. They also have a nice gift shop when you get back down and everything is well priced l!
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Matt G.

Yelp
By the River Tagus. Also called Arco do Triunfo. Commemorating the rebuilding of Lisbon after a massive earthquake. Elevator available if you want to check out the views from the top. One of the statues represent Vasco da Gama. Market stalls near by and places to eat.
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Jonathan V.

Yelp
Used our Lisbon card to go to the top. After you walk under the arch (toward town), the entrance is just past the arch, on the right. We showed our Lisbon card, and we were given ticket (receipt) with a bar code. You scanned this at a turnstile in front of the elevator. At the top of the elevator, we walked up some narrow steps to anther room. At the opposite end of that room, there was another set of steps that took you to the top. Look for green light near the bottom of the steps before you go up. Very narrow steps. This is not for people with mobility issues. View at the top is great. Look toward the city, or over the river.
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Austen M.

Yelp
If you have already been to other European capitals and seen some of the key sites you are not going to be blown away by this, but it is certainly work a look. I recommend you go down to admire the building and arch and then take a seat in one of the cafés round the edge of the large square. To be honest the quality of the cafés are very average but it is the perfect people watching spot and allows you to sit and soak up the Lisbon atmosphere. If the sun is out I would be surprised if you done end up spending an hour watching the world go by.
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Catarina L.

Yelp
Unknown to many Lisboners and tourists alike is the fact that you can now visit the interior of this Arch. Do it! It's only 2,5€ or 1€ if you also buy a ticket for the Lisbon Story Center. This beautiful and imposing Arch looks almost like a gateway into Lisbon. It has a lot of historical meaning to the city, given that this whole area was rebuilt after a severe earthquake that destroyed most of the capital in 1755. You can marvel at it from the street, but going up there completely shifts your perspective. From the upper level you have panoramic views of the city. You can stand beside the grandiose statues and, like them, gaze at the busy streets below. The tower clock and bell - both still working - are exposed there as well as a small history of the Arch, it's not a lot but then again, the ticket isn't expensive and you also don't need to queue to get in and out, so it's good value. There's a lift up to the 2nd floor but from there you'll have to climb some narrow steps to get to the remaining two floors. They have a system in place, like traffic lights, that tell you if you can use the stairs, so that people going in opposite directions don't get in each others way. If it's not raining, it's very much worth the visit. It'd be perfect if they included a small guided tour of any sort and more information about the architectural and artistic details.
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Daisy D.

Yelp
Even on a rainy day, you have to walk down Rua Augusta and just marvel at the 'old world' charm that the whole Baixa neighborhood exudes. At the end of the street as the road opens on to a large plaza on the bay, you find the Arco da Rua Augusta. It's nothing special. It's not surrounded by a major traffic circle like the Arc de Triomphe. It's not in the middle of a park like Washington Square Park in New York City. But as you sit on the statue steps in the center of the plaza, you get to stare down cobblestone streets and imagine what a proud people the Portuguese must be to rebuild the entire city after it was leveled by an earthquake. You can watch the tourists commingle with the locals, all trying to dodge those on a segway tour. You can watch the sunset over the water. You can sip a glass of Porto at one of the cafes. Whatever you do, spend at least five minutes just marveling at a space that Americans don't always understand the simple beauty of.
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Anthony G.

Yelp
Very nice monument in the Praça do Comércio is a nice place to hang out and people watch. Head under it and you're in the pedestrian boulevard Rua Augusta to do some shopping. I believe you can pay to climb up to the top of it but I didn't see the point because there are better views of this great city elsewhere. I still greatly enjoyed it here.