Praça da Figueira

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The square sits on the footprint of the All Saints Hospital, which was once the most important hospital in Portugal before the 1755 earthquake.

2. 2

   The equestrian statue of King João I was installed in 1971 to replace a previous monument to the square's market history.

3. 3

   Until the mid-20th century, the plaza was a bustling wholesale and retail market with temporary wooden structures.

4. 4

   The buildings encircling the square follow the strict architectural grid established by the Marquês de Pombal after the 1755 disaster.

5. 5

   The square is colloquially known as the site of the former 'Hospital de Todos os Santos' among local historians.

Overview

Praça da Figueira is a large, rectangular public square in Lisbon's Baixa Pombalina district. The site formerly housed the Real Hospital de Todos os Santos, which was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. It now serves as a major transportation hub and a central gathering space. A bronze equestrian statue of King João I stands prominently in the center of the square. The buildings surrounding the plaza feature uniform 19th-century Pombaline architecture with traditional pastel facades. The square once served as the city's main outdoor market and still hosts occasional seasonal fairs. Its flat terrain and central location make it a common meeting point for tourists and residents.

Insider tips

• Visit the traditional bakery shops located under the arcades for authentic Portuguese pastries.

• Use the square as a navigation anchor; it provides clear sightlines to the hilltop São Jorge Castle.

• Keep a close watch on personal belongings as the high volume of foot traffic attracts opportunistic pickpockets.