Rua Agusta Arch and Cafe

We knew better than to eat at a cafe on the Praca de Comercio in Lisbon Portugal. Based on the location, we knew it would be overpriced while the... more

by Joan Carroll

Title

Rua Agusta Arch and Cafe

Artist

Joan Carroll

Medium

Photograph - Digital Art

Description

We knew better than to eat at a cafe on the Praca de Comercio in Lisbon Portugal. Based on the location, we knew it would be overpriced while the food would be underwhelming. But we were hungry and we were there, and our expectations were met! Nevertheless, it was a pleasant location to spend an hour people watching and taking in the lovely weather and enjoying the monumental Rua Agusta arch. The Praca de Comercio (Commerce Square) was the centerpiece of the reconstruction that took place after the earthquake of 1755 had reduced Lisbon to rubble. As part of the reconstruction the Marquis of Pombal, prime minister of King Jose I, planned the creation of this new large square, meant to rival Europe's grandest squares. On one side it opens onto the Tagus river while the other sides are bordered by stately government buildings with beautiful arcades facing the square. Construction of the Rua Agusta Arch was started in 1759 but wasn't completed until 1873. The monumental arch shows the allegorical figure of Glory crowning Genius and Valor. Below them are important historical figures and allegorical representations of the rivers Tagus and Douro.

FEATURED PHOTO, The Road To Self Promotion - 1 PER DAY group, 2/28/16

Uploaded

February 27th, 2016