Statue of António Ribeiro

The Statue of António Ribeiro Chiado sits in Largo do Chiado, a small square in Lisbon's Misericórdia parish. A bronze figure of a 16th-century poet on a limestone base, it marks the heart of the neighbourhood that is widely believed to carry his nickname.

Who was António Ribeiro Chiado?

Born around 1520 in Évora and dead by 1591, António Ribeiro was a popular poet who also wrote satirical plays. He joined the Franciscans, then gave up monastic life and settled in Lisbon on the street now called Rua Garrett. The nickname "Chiado" stuck, and the most commonly cited explanation for the district's name traces it back to him.

What will you see?

The poet is shown seated. The bronze sculpture rests on a limestone pedestal and acts as a landmark in the square. It was designed by António Augusto da Costa Motta and unveiled on 18 December 1925, commissioned by the city council to honour a local writer and artist.

Lisbon's tourism board includes the statue in its city statuary route, and the square itself is a favourite meeting spot. A satirist sitting amid the bustle suits a man who commented on Lisbon life in his own day.

How do you get there?

Largo do Chiado lies between Baixa and Bairro Alto, in the upper part of the historic centre. The easiest approach is the metro to Baixa-Chiado station, followed by a short uphill walk. From Praça Luís de Camões, home to the monument of another great poet, it is a brief stroll down Rua Garrett. The area is hilly, so expect some steep stretches.

When should you go?

The statue stands in an open public square, viewable at any hour at no cost. Mornings are calmest, when the cafés are just opening. Late afternoon brings locals and visitors in numbers, which adds atmosphere but makes a clean photo harder. A visit takes only minutes, so pair it with a walk through Chiado and Bairro Alto.

What else is nearby?

Chiado is known for bookshops, theatres, cafés and shopping. Rua Garrett, the main shopping street, and Praça Luís de Camões are both close. From the square you can walk down towards Baixa and the Tagus waterfront or up into the lanes of Bairro Alto. The statue makes a good first stop because it explains where the district's name comes from.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry free? Yes. The monument stands in a public square and needs no ticket.

Who designed it? António Augusto da Costa Motta. It was unveiled on 18 December 1925.

What is it made of? A bronze figure on a limestone pedestal.

Is the neighbourhood named after the poet? That is the most widely cited theory: the nickname passed from the poet, who lived on today's Rua Garrett, to the whole area.

How long does a visit take? A few minutes for the statue itself; add time to explore the surrounding streets.