King Pedro IV Square

You’re now on Rossio Square, also known as King Pedro IV Square. It’s one of Lisbon’s busiest and liveliest squares, home to bars, restaurants and stores. It really has it all! There are also two massive fountains, a beautiful theater, and a huge statue of Pedro IV of Portugal, known as “The Soldier King.” The black-and-white cobblestone paving creates a mesmerizing ripple effect and gives the square this very distinctive look, found in many squares around Lisbon. These magnificent mosaics were added here after the terrible earthquake of 1755, when the Marquis of Pombal decided to swiftly rebuild the city. He had the ground tiled with small limestone and basalt stones, which were much cheaper and easier to work with than Porto granite, and formed motifs that in many cases echo back to the Age of Discovery. These real works of art are known as “Calçada portuguesa,” and they’re very popular – you’ll find them in many cities around the world, including Rio de Janeiro, Brussels and Beijing. So now you know what’s lying beneath your feet! Even before the mosaics were laid, the square had always been a popular gathering place, hosting major events, celebrations and even public executions back in the day.