Estátua do Marquês de Pombal

The Marquis of Pombal Monument (Estátua do Marquês de Pombal) rises from the middle of the Rotunda, the roundabout of Praça Marquês de Pombal in Lisbon. A statue on a tall stone pedestal marks the top of Avenida da Liberdade, and it is one of the easiest landmarks in the city to spot.

Who was the Marquis of Pombal?

Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo was a leading royal minister in the 18th century. He is remembered above all for directing the rebuilding of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake, which flattened much of the centre. He also pushed through state and education reforms. The square took his name in 1882, a hundred years after his death.

What can you see on the monument?

The marquis stands at the top, with a lion beside him as a symbol of power. The pedestal carries medallions of his collaborators and allegorical figures. One of them, Minerva, stands for his education reforms. The whole structure is several dozen metres tall and visible from far along the avenue and the park.

How was it built?

Architects Adães Bermudes and António do Couto, working with sculptor Francisco dos Santos, won the design competition in 1915. Foundations began in 1917, with the first stone laid that August, and work restarted on 13 May 1926. Santos died four years before completion, so José Simões de Almeida, Leopoldo de Almeida and Eduardo Ribeiro Leitão finished the sculpture. The statue went onto its pedestal on 2 December 1933, and the official inauguration took place on 13 May 1934, the marquis's birthday.

How do you get there?

The Rotunda is a major transport hub in central Lisbon. The easiest route is the metro to Marquês de Pombal station, where the blue and yellow lines meet. You can also walk up Avenida da Liberdade from Restauradores square. Eduardo VII Park begins right next to it, with wide views over the city and the Tagus.

When should you go?

The monument stands in the open, so you can see it at any hour and without a ticket. Morning and late afternoon give the best light for photos, and in the evening it is lit up. Heavy traffic circles the square, so use the pedestrian crossings rather than cutting across.

FAQ

Can you climb the monument? No. It is viewed from outside only.

Is there an entrance fee? No. It stands on a public square and is open to everyone at all times.

What is nearby? Eduardo VII Park, Avenida da Liberdade and the Lisboa Story Centre.

How long does a visit take? About 15 to 20 minutes for the monument alone. With the park and a stroll along the avenue, plan one to two hours.