The top of the Monumental Arch represents Glory crowning Genius and Valour. Beneath them are Viriatus, Vasco da Gama, the Marquis of Pombal and Nuno Álvares Pereira.
At the Centre stands a statue of King José I. Beneath him Fame leads an Elephant and Triumph leads a Horse, which trample on conquered Africa and Asia. In the front Medallion is the Marquis de Pombal.
On 1 February 1908, the square was the scene of the assassination of Carlos I, the penultimate King of Portugal. So beautiful, but with a turbulent history!
