Description of the attraction
Freedom Square is located in the city center. It was built at the beginning of the 18th century when the city was inhabited. In 1718, an urbanization project was developed, as a result of which new streets were built and a spacious square appeared, which was named Prasa Nova (New Square). The boundaries of this square at that time were determined by the city walls, as well as the built city houses. Unfortunately, none of these houses has survived to this day. After 1788, the boundaries of the city walls shifted slightly. The imposing neoclassical façade of the monastery is the oldest building in the square that has survived to this day. Today the monastery has been rebuilt into a luxurious hotel. Guests of the city who stayed at a hotel spend the night in cells and eat in covered galleries.
In the 19th century, the square acquired particular importance: after 1819, the municipality was located in a building located in the northern part of the square. Also, by the end of the 19th century, the Luis I bridge and the São Bento train station were built near the square. At that time, Liberty Square was an important political, economic and social center of the city of Porto. In 1866, a monument to King Pedro IV was inaugurated in the middle of the square. The composition was created by the French sculptor Anatole Calmet and was an equestrian statue of King Pedro IV holding in his hand the constitution that he proclaimed to his people.
The appearance of the square changed somewhat after 1916: the city hall was destroyed and the modern boulevard Avenida dos Aliados was built. The houses that were built around Freedom Square, as well as the neighboring streets, were occupied by banks, hotels, restaurants, offices of various organizations were opened in some premises.
