Commercial Plaza Introduction: Lisbon Commercial Plaza (Praca do Comercio) was once the busiest port and trading center in the world. There was a royal palace here in the 16th century. The palace was razed to the ground by the 1755 earthquake.
Today’s layout of the square and surrounding streets was planned and designed by Portuguese Prime Minister Pombel after the 1755 earthquake. In the center of the square stands an equestrian sculpture of Joseph I. To the north of the square is the Augusta Cultural Street, between the street and the square The Gate of Victory stands with statues of heroes in Portuguese history and is engraved with: "Glory crowns talent and courage." It is one of Lisbon's landmark buildings. The area from the Commercial Plaza to Rossio Plaza is Lisbon's famous commercial district Baitx. The streets are lined with shops and is a veritable commercial center in Lisbon.