Shopping Square, Palace Yard, and Commerce Square... No matter how many times the name of one of the largest squares in Europe has changed, it remains the most beautiful place in Lisbon and Portugal. It is better to start exploring the Portuguese capital from this important historical place on the picturesque banks of the Tagus River. In ancient times, it was considered the gateway to the city. Today, from here, travelers get to the most colorful neighborhood of Baixa.

The history of one of the main attractions of Lisbon began with the construction of the majestic royal residence of Manuel I, the Ribeiro Palace, followed by the construction of a great port and shipyard, as well as several administrative buildings. The square was considered the center of Portuguese international trade and was therefore called "Shopping Square" for a long time. The construction of the royal palace led to the name of the city square being changed to "Palace Yard". It proudly bore this name even many years after the destruction of the palace by a major earthquake in 1755.

Commerce Square owes its modern Enlightenment-style appearance and its name to King Joseph I and his Prime Minister, Sebastian Jose de Carvalho (Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo). After the revival, Lisbon was transformed from medieval city ruins into a clear network of streets with symmetrical city buildings and regular geometric squares, just as it is today.

The main entrance to the square is the Tagus embankment, or rather the place where the old marble stairway and columns are located. This is because all the famous guests used to come to Lisbon by sea. Today, foreign tourists have chosen the steps to enjoy the fabulously beautiful pink sunsets. From here, pleasure boats depart for the Tagus water trips.

The main decoration of Commerce Square is the bronze equestrian statue of King Joseph I by the talented Portuguese sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro. The only monument in Lisbon dedicated to the king of Portugal has been decorating the old square since 1775. It is considered the hallmark of modern Lisbon, along with another monument, the legendary Triumphal Arch.