Praça do Império

Praça do Império (Empire Square) is a formal city square and garden in Lisbon's Belém district, right beside the Jerónimos Monastery. It was laid out for the 1940 exhibition and remains one of the most orderly, symmetrical garden layouts in the Portuguese capital.

Where is Praça do Império?

The square sits in the civil parish of Belém, in the western part of Lisbon. It stretches between Rua de Belém, Jardim de Belém, Avenida da Índia and the Centro Cultural de Belém. Because it lies next to the district's main monuments, almost every visit to Belém passes through it. The coordinates are roughly 38.696 N, 9.207 W.

What is the history of the square?

When the monastery was founded in the 16th century, this area was known as Restelo Beach, since the river bank reached almost to the church walls. The present layout dates from the Portuguese World Exhibition of 1940, held for the 800th anniversary of the country's independence and the 300th anniversary of its restoration after the union with Spain. The old waterfront was turned into an ornamental garden, and the name refers to the colonial empire the exhibition celebrated. The place's official toponymy is tied to the theme of Portuguese Expansion, the age of discoveries.

What can you see here?

The main highlight is the monumental fountain known as "Luminosa", meaning "luminous". Water and light combine into evening displays that draw walkers to the centre of the garden. Around it, geometric lawns and flowerbeds are arranged with strict symmetry.

The paving is worth a look too. At three of the main entrances it is made of Portuguese stone mosaic showing the signs of the zodiac, and a set of 32 coats of arms adds further decoration. Shrubs and small flowers in the beds stand for the provinces of the former empire. The trees include white cedars and olives, typical of the Portuguese landscape.

How to plan a visit

Praça do Império is a good place for a short break before or after visiting the monastery or the nearby cultural centre. Entry is free, as it is a public city garden. Come in the evening to see the fountain lit up, or early in the morning when there are fewer visitors. It is easy to combine with a walk through the neighbouring gardens of Belém.

Frequently asked questions

Is Praça do Império a square or a park? Both. Sources describe it as a city square with a garden area, next to the district's principal monuments.

Why is the fountain called "Luminosa"? It is decorated with light and water effects, which gave it the nickname. The whole garden was designed for the 1940 exhibition.

What do the coats of arms and zodiac signs mean? The zodiac decorates the stone paving at three main entrances, while the 32 coats of arms and the flowerbeds refer to the provinces of the old empire.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes. The Jerónimos Monastery and the Centro Cultural de Belém are right next door, and Avenida da Índia runs along the square.

How long does a visit take? Usually from a quarter of an hour to an hour, depending on how long you want to relax in the garden.