La Praça da Liberdade

The Praça da Liberdade

The Porto audio-guided tour leads you to the Praça da Liberdade, the Liberty Square, the most important of the city, which connects old Porto to its more recent part.

The square of King Pedro IV

Built at the end of the eighteenth century, formerly surrounded by orange trees and gardens, the square has always been a place of meeting as well as of revolts. It owes its name to King Pedro IV, a symbol of Portuguese liberalism, whose ten-metre equestrian statue, inaugurated in 1866, stands nearby. He holds in his hand the Constitutional Charter of 1826, a fundamental document that established a constitutional monarchy separating the powers. This constitution was inspired by the one he had drafted in Brazil: Pedro IV of Portugal is indeed also Pedro I of Brazil, the first emperor of the country whose independence he proclaimed. It is therefore a key figure in the history of the two nations.

What there is to see

The Praça da Liberdade impresses with its scale, its fine buildings and the equestrian statue of Pedro IV that dominates it. An essential crossing point between the two Portos, it is one of the beating hearts of the city, animated at all hours. It is a central stage to understand the liberal history of Portugal and that of its links with Brazil.

Practical information

The Praça da Liberdade is in the heart of Porto, at the junction of the old town and the more recent districts. A public square, it can be walked freely at all hours and on the level.

Who is depicted on the statue of the Praça da Liberdade?

King Pedro IV, holding the Constitutional Charter of 1826; he is also known as Pedro I, the first emperor of Brazil.

When was the Praça da Liberdade built?

At the end of the eighteenth century; the equestrian statue of Pedro IV was inaugurated there in 1866.