16/04/2008

#107 - Rossio fountains

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Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Rossio is one of the most beautiful squares in Lisbon. People pass here everyday, rushing for work, and hardly take the time to look around. It's not only the beautiful monuments and the fountains, or its fascinating history... Rossio is a living book. Recently renovated, it hasn't lost any of its mysticism... Feel it around the D. Maria II National Theatre, where many plays were, and are, performed and seen by Kings and Queens, around the fountains used at the beginning of October to baptize the freshmen as they were about to enter the University -, around the cafes frequented by famous Portuguese personalities - like Cafe Nicola founded in 1929 - and yes, oh yes, smell it on freshly roasted chestnuts that have been sold in the Rossio Square for many many years.In the middle of the square there's a statue of Dom Pedro IV and at its foot the four female figures representing Justice, Wisdom, Strength and Moderation, qualities attributed to Dom Pedro himself. The originally called 'Dom Pedro IV Square', got the name Rossio from the local people and it's still today a traditional meeting point both for Lisboetas and visitors. [*]

11 comments:

Champ Townboy said...

Gorgeous photos, beautiful fountain, and fantastic history!! Wow, again!!

Kris McCracken said...

Very ornate. Thanks very much for the pics and the background info, it’s always interesting!

Anonymous said...

Linda a fonte e informação em dose quanto baste.
Ando cá intrigado ...

Abby said...

Justice, Wisdom, Strength and Moderation are what I pray for everyday! (Or they should because they are exactly what I need.) Thanks for sharing. I can smell the chestnuts! (And guess what? I haven't seen any of those around here, EITHER!) Thanks for the Saudades!

Raquel Sabino Pereira said...

What we learn everyday! Thank you!!!

sonia a. mascaro said...

Ótimas fotos e muito informativo este post! Rossio realmente parece muito bonito!

Uma por Dia said...

Rossio is always beautiful. I go there almost every day and it is like visiting 1st time!

Intrigado com...???

Anonymous said...

Primeiro, fui uma técnica de levar a visitar ... o meu cacto!

Depois, não é preciso ficar furibunda e meter uns quantos ???? no fim da expressão. :)

Gosto da associação entre este blogue e o Cocabixinhos, mais nada!

Uma por Dia said...

LOL :)

O cocabixinhos é a minha liberdade, sem regras.
Vou sempre visitar-te :)

Petrea Burchard said...

I've enjoyed all of your pictures of Rossio square.

ritasobczyk said...

Thanks for sharing with us! I hope I try that roasted chestnut and take the photo of the fountain one day. I love places that live their life, that 'have soul'. It must be relaxing to spend there time ;)