The Rua Augusta Arch is on the north end of the Praca do Comercio. Constructed in the 19th century, it was created to serve as a symbol of the Portuguese capital's rehabilitation after its destruction in the 1755 earthquake. It consists of six columns, some reaching a height of 36 feet in order to support the arch, and is decorated with statues created by Portuguese sculptor Vitor Bastos. Many of these sculptures are of historical figures, including Vasco de Gama and the Marquis of Pombal. French sculptor Celestin Anatole Calmels created the colossal figures that sit on top of the arch, which represent Glory rewarding Genius and Valor.

Rua Augusta 2, 1100-053 Lisbon, Portugal, Phone: 351-808-203-232

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