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Discover the view over Lisbon from the top of Arco da Rua Augusta
Many people visit Praça do Comércio and look at the beautiful Arco da Rua Augusta in Lisbon’s city centre. But did you know you can also visit it and enjoy a stunning view over Lisbon? Let’s look inside and climb on top of Arco da Rua Augusta.
What to expect at Arco da Rua Augusta
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A little bit of history
The Rua Augusta Arch in the city centre of Lisbon is a hard-to-miss site. The famous triumphal arch is located at Praça do Comércio, a beautiful square on the river Tagus. The historical building was built after the 1755 earthquake to commemorate Lisbon’s reconstruction.
Some fun facts about Arco da Rua Augusta
The Rua Augusta Arch consists of six columns, which are 11 meters tall. The structure itself reaches 30 meters (100 ft). The arch was initially built as a bell tower, and inside, you’ll spot clockwork and the bell. In the Clock Room, you’ll see an educational exhibition where you will learn more about the history of the arch. After taking the elevator, you climb a spiral staircase to the exhibition room. There, you climb another spiral staircase to reach the roof.
The monument is richly decorated, and you’ll notice several statues of historical figures on the top. The French sculptor Célestin Anatole Calmels made the sculpture Glory, rewarding Valor and Genius.
Portuguese sculptor Vítor Bastos created other sculptures representing the Marquis of Pombal, Nuno Álvares Pereira, Vasco da Gama and Viriato. You’ll also see the Latin inscription virtvtibvs maiorvm, which means the greatest virtues. The two rivers represent the Douro and Tagus Rivers.
Opening hours and tickets
Many people walk by Rua Augusta Arch daily, but climbing to the top is also worth it! You’ll enjoy an iconic 360º view over Lisbon and Praça do Comércio! The building opened to the public in 2013, and the entrance price is just €4.50 per adult. With the Lisboa Card, you can enter the building for free. The monument is open daily from 10 AM until 7 PM. The last entrance is 30 minutes before closing.
Did you know?
Entrance to Arco da Rua Augusta is free with the Lisboa Card. But this ticket also includes 24, 48, or 72 hours of free public transport in Lisbon! If you plan on taking trams, buses, and metros to visit famous landmarks, this is a great money-saver! Lisbon sights like the Santa Just Elevator, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the Belém Tower are all included in the Lisboa Card. There are also many museums, and you´ll receive a discount at many more places!
How to get to Arco da Rua Augusta
You’ll find the Rua Augusta Arch at the end of Lisbon’s main pedestrian street, Augusta Street. Many buses and trams stop in front of the monument. If you come by metro, the closest station is Terreiro do Paço on the Blue Line.
If you have questions about Lisbon public transport, check out this post!
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FAQ
How do you get to the top of Arco da Rua Augusta?
The ticket office and entrance to the Rua Augusta Arch is on Rua Augusta 6. When you stand underneath the monument, you’ll see it clearly.
How tall is the Rua Augusta Arch?
The top of the Rua Augusta Arch reaches 30 meters (100 feet)! It’s constructed on six columns, of which some are 11 meters high.
Why was the Rua Augusta Arch built?
The Rua Augusta Monument commemorated the city’s reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake. The memorial arch is located at Praça do Comércio, one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks.
Conclusion
It’s well worth climbing to the top of the Rua Augusta Arch! The views are stunning, especially during sunset. Afterwards, you can enjoy a drink at Praça do Comércio, walk along the Tagus, or look in the Lisbon shops around Rua Augusta. Other sites within reach are the Sé Cathedral in Lisbon, the Santa Justa Elevator and the Alfama neighbourhood.
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- Discover the view over Lisbon from the top of Arco da Rua
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- Inside Torre de Belém, a UNESCO masterpiece in Lisbon
- Inside the stunning Lisbon Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the city
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