The Rua Augusta Arch, known as the ‘Arco da Rua Augusta’ in Portuguese, is a huge triumphal arch in Lisbon’s heart.
The Arch reminds us of the deadly 1755 Lisbon earthquake followed by Tsunami and fire that crushed the city, causing damage to life and property.
This monument was built to commemorate the city’s reconstruction after the tragic event and took 100 years to build.
Rua Augusta Arch was originally designed to be a bell tower, but later, the monument was shaped into an arch.
This article shares everything you must know before booking your Arco da Rua Augusta tickets.
Top Arco da Rua Augusta Ticket
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What to expect at Arco da Rua Augusta
Visitors can take a sneak peek into the history and culture of Lisbon at Rua Augusta Arch.
The Arch is ornamented with pillars and statues that sing the Glory of Portugal’s capital city.
The observation deck at the top of the Arch offers a fantastic view that can take your breath away.
Buy This TicketWhere to book tickets
Tickets for Rua Augusta Arch can be purchased online or in person at the attraction.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets due to their high demand, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Visit the Rua Augusta Arch ticket booking page, select your preferred date, time slot, and number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.
After making the purchase, you will receive the tickets in your email.
Ticket printouts are not required.
You can enter the attraction by showing the e-ticket on your smartphone.
Rua Augusta Arch ticket prices
Rua Augusta Arch tickets cost €4 for all visitors aged six and above.
Kids up to the age of six years can enter the attraction for free.
Rua Augusta Arch tickets
This ticket gives you skip-the-line access to the Rua Augusta Arch. You don’t have to wait in the queue at the entrance.
This ticket lets you visit the impressive Triumphal Arch and take the elevator and spiral staircase to the top.
With this ticket, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Terreiro do Paço and downtown Lisbon and learn about the history of the Arch and its construction.
Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (6+ years): €4
Child Ticket (up to 5 years): Free
How to reach Lisbon’s Arch
Arco da Rua Augusta is located on the northern end of Praça do Comércio.
Address: R. Augusta 2, 1100-053 Lisboa, Portugal. Get Directions
You can use public transport to reach Rua Augusta Arch.
By Metro
The nearest metro stations are Rossio (Green Line), Terreiro Paço (Blue Line), and Baixa-Chiado (Blue and Green lines).
The Arch is within 6 to 8 minutes of walking distance.
Plan your journey at Metro Lisboa’s website.
By Tram
Take Tram 28 or Tram 15E to reach Arco da Rua Augusta.
If traveling on Tram 15E, get down at Praça do Comércio stop; the Arch is just 6 minutes away.
If traveling on Tram 28, get down at the Arco da Rua Augusta stop.
By Bus
The nearest stop to Arco da Rua Augusta is Pç. Comércio.
The bus routes to the Arch are 728, 735, 737, 759, and 794.
Visit Carris website to plan your journey.
By Car
If you’re traveling in your car, turn on Google Maps and get started.
There are several parking spaces around the attraction.
Opening hours
Arco da Rua Augusta is open from 9 am to 7 pm daily.
The last entry is 30 minutes before the closing time.
The Arch welcomes visitors all through the year.
How long does it take
A complete tour of Arco da Rua Augusta takes around an hour.
Once you visit the statues of prominent historical figures, you can take the elevator inside the Arch and see the clock room.
From there, you can walk the stairs and reach the top deck.
Only 35 people are allowed to go up at a time.
When you’re at the top of the Arch, you can take your time enjoying the mesmerizing view.
Tourists walk around Praça do Comércio plaza and take photographs.
Best time to visit the Arch
The best time to visit Arco da Rua Augusta when they open at 9 am.
You can avoid the crowd and conveniently explore the Arch when you reach early.
The weather also plays a key role in deciding the best time to visit Rua Augusta Arch.
Pleasant weather (when it’s neither hot nor cold) lets you devote ample time to understanding the significance of the Arch and its symbolic statues.
Allegorical statues
Arco da Rua Augusta stands over 30 meters (100 feet) tall and has six pillars about 11 meters (36 feet) high.
The Arch has various statues built on the top, which echo different tales.
Looking at the Arch straight, you’ll see the trio of statues created by Célestin Anatole Calmel.
The trio represents Glory rewarding Valor, and Genius.
Glory is depicted as a female dressed in ancient Greek dress; Valor is shown as an amazon wearing a helmet with dragon patterns; Genius is presented as Jupiter, the king of the gods in Ancient Roman Mythology.
At the side of the Arch, two statues represent two great rivers of Portugal, the Douro and the Tejo.
Just below the trio statues, four more figures stand upright on pillars that Victor Bastos sculpted.
The four statues represent the four great personalities of Portugal who played a key role in transforming Portugal.
On the extreme right is the statue of Nuno Alvares Pereira, a 14th-century Portuguese general who liberated Portugal from Castile.
Also on the right side is the statue of Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, the Marquis of Pombal, a general who played a significant role in the reconstruction of Lisbon’s post-1755 tragedy.
On the left is the statue of Vasco da Gama, the famous Portuguese explorer, and next to him is the statue of Viriathus, who led locals against Roman expansion.
Breathtaking view
Arco da Rua Augusta has stairs and elevators leading you to Arch’s top.
First, you need to get into the elevator that brings you to the clock room, and from there, you can take the staircase to reach the open-air deck that offers 360 degrees view.
From the top, you can see the sparkling water of the river Tagus and stunning Praça do Comércio and catch a glimpse of the bustling Baixa district.
You also see Terreiro do Paço, the Pombaline downtown area, the Cathedral, the Castle of St. Jorge, and the Tejo River.
Rua Augusta Arch affirms, in Latin, “The Virtues of the Greatest”: the strength, resilience, and achievements of the Portuguese people.
FAQs about Arco da Rua Augusta
Here are some frequently asked questions about Rua Augusta Arch.
Can I skip the line with this ticket?
Yes, the Rua Augusta Arch e-ticket gives you skip-the-line access to the Arch.
Can I show the ticket on my mobile phone?
You can show the Rua Augusta Arch e-ticket on your smartphone and enter the attraction.
Is the Rua Augusta Arch illuminated at night?
The arch is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a striking visual presence in the city.
What can visitors see from the top of the Rua Augusta Arch?
From the top of the arch, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon, including landmarks such as Commerce Square, the Baixa district, the Tagus River, and the hills of Alfama and São Jorge Castle.
What is the significance of the Rua Augusta Arch?
The arch has historical and symbolic significance as it commemorates the city’s reconstruction after the devastating 1755 earthquake. It is a symbol of triumph and resilience.
