Rossio Square - lisbon

Rossio Square, lots of interesting views from the square. You can see the ruins of the Convento de Carmello up in the Bario Alta on the hill, and the castle on the other side in the Alfama.

I loved the purple hotel that was renovated on the one side of the square, SW corner? Some buildins were renovated, others tiled and others in disrepear with the roofs growing things out of them..... much like Havana, but not so much actually crumbling.

We continued up the R. Augusta till it meets with Rossio square. A big open square with 2 fountains and a large statue in the centre. Lots of wave tilings.
• Because of its elongated shape, and long use it is believed this was a roman racetrack 2,000 years ago. These days it is cars
• The colonnaded national theater is at the far end. American fast food chains (colin went to the MacDonalds to use the bathroom)
• The column in the square honors Pedro IV king of Portugal and emperor of Brazil
• The square once held a palace that functioned as the headquarters of the inquisition. It was demolished and in an attempt to erase its memory, the national theatre was built in its place.
• You can see the Convento de Carmo
• And the Elevador de Santa Justa
• You can also catch glimpses of the castle on the other side of the valleyRead more