It's best known as "Rua Augusta Arch," as it’s found at the end of Rua Augusta (Lisbon’s main pedestrian street), but it faces Comércio Square. It's a triumphal arch designed in 1775 as a gateway to the city, but the version seen today dates from a century later, 1875. Sculptures at the top represent Glory crowning Genius and Valor, while below them are images of national heroes Vasco da Gama, the Marquis of Pombal, Nuno Álvares Pereira and Viriato. On the side facing Rua Augusta is a monumental clock featuring naturalistic motifs.
The entire monument was restored in 2013, and an elevator was placed inside to allow visits to the terrace. From there, there’s a wonderful 360-degree-view over Praça do Comércio, Rua Augusta, the cathedral, and all of downtown.
