Rossio Square

Rossio Square
See the people-packed central square whose swirling wave-patterned cobbles are thought to have inspired copycat pavements across the rest of Portugal and beyond.

Officially named Praça Dom Pedro IV, this centrally located square is much more commonly known simply as Rossio. Come here at any time of the day to find the square abuzz, as people gather to socialize at cafés around the square’s edge.

Stroll across the vast square and note the unusual wave-like mosaic pavement underfoot. The curving lines, which alternate between lighter and darker stone, create an impression of movement. Although the square was founded in the 13th century, the pavement was only added in the mid 19th century. After being installed here, this style of pavement grew in popularity, spreading across Portugal and eventually showing up overseas in former Portuguese colonies such as Brazil.

At the center of the square you’ll see the tall monument to Dom Pedro IV, a former Portuguese king and the first emperor of Brazil.

Note the two large fountains on either side of the monument. Erected in 1889, these two Baroque fountains are identical and feature sculptures depicting mythical figures. Consider coming back to the square at night to see the fountains lit up. Look to the north end of the square to see the neoclassical-style National Theatre of D. Maria II, Lisbon’s premier performance venue for the dramatic arts.

Pause for a coffee and some people-watching at one of the surrounding cafés, some of which have been here for a century or more. Their outdoor terraces are excellent spots from which to observe the action on the square, whether it be street performers entertaining tourists, businesspeople having their shoes shined, or friends embracing each other upon greeting.

Find Rossio Square in the Baixa neighborhood of Lisbon. To get here, ride the metro to Rossio Station. Being a public place, Rossio Square is open 24/7 and no admission fee is charged.

Reviews of Rossio Square

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
303
" "5 - Excellent 34.39273552780931%
4 - Good
491
" "4 - Good 55.73212258796822%
3 - Okay
86
" "3 - Okay 9.761634506242906%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.11350737797956867%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
4 Jan 2020

Watch out for drug dealers

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
26 Oct 2019

A main square where most transport links are

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
16 Oct 2019

Plenty of hot meal outlets and tiny corner shops but it lacks any easy walk-in shop for tourists to buy cold foods without having to speak. Is one of the defining central points. A reference point to reach Commercial square + the sea front from, down the street you can see an arch in: and Rossio rail station. Go up the escalators through that station to reach the high level of Bairro Alto, as the nearby giant elevator is entirely a tourist thing with long queues, upwards it's too busy to use as the transport service it was built to be!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Sep 2019

A central location with several cafes around. Useful if you’re early for your trip!

5/5 - Excellent

Aileen
11 Sep 2019

A must see and definitely busy with tourists.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
8 May 2019

Collected a train for Sintra

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