CHIADO

This small square has tranquillity which betrays its turbulent past. Its Pombaline buildings and the 18th-century fountain were built to replace the devastated buildings which crumbled during the 1755 earthquake. Left unrestored as a monument to the tragedy, the ruins of the Carmo Convent is located on the north side. In the heart of the square is the delightful fountain of (Chafariz do) Carmo. It was erected here in 1796. The Jacarandas trees occupying the perimeter come from South America. During May and June, they bathe the square in beautiful purple blossoms.

Quiosque do Carmo
The kiosk in the square has an extensive café and bar menu. The star of the menu is the nicely cooked seafood risotto, octopus and cod. The desserts are great to share, such as the parfait, pudding and gâteau. The Quiosque do Carmo is also a great location to start an evening with a delicious sangria, glass of port, beer or wine.

Daily: 11h00 – 02h00
1 Largo do Carmo, 1200-092 Lisboa, Portugal. | 38° 42' 41.9" N | 09° 08' 26.2" W
+351 916 348 056

The museum is easy to spot in Largo do Carmo. Guards in ceremonial uniform stand sentinel in from of guard boxes at the entrance. After the 1755 earthquake, a part of the ruined Carmo Convent and Church was converted into a military base. Today it is the headquarters of the National Republican Guard, the military-run police force that polices the rural areas of Portugal. The museum traces the history of the organisation from its beginnings in 1911 to the present day and includes some interesting artefacts and exhibits. Items such as motorcycles, uniforms and weapons and other memorabilia. The museum opened in 2014 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 'Carnation Revolution', when, on 25th April 1974, the right-wing dictatorship was overthrown. A poignant icon of this somewhat bloodless coup is revolting army troops in the streets of Lisbon with flowers in their gun barrels, one of which is on display here. The headquarters of the Republican National Guard played a pivotal role in the definitive moment of the Revolution and on the 25th of April the last prime minister of the dictatorship regime was held up here before finally succumbing to the wishes of the crowd of thousands outside in this beautiful square. Monday - Saturday 10h00 - 18h00, Sunday: CLOSED | €2.00

Getting to the Republican National Guard Museum

27 Largo do Carmo, 1200-090, Lisbon, Portugal.
38° 42' 44.1"N | 09° 08' 27.5"W | +351 213 217 000
museu@gnr.pt |  Website

The beating heart of the Chiado is the Rua Garrett, the main street where you will find some of the city's most iconic shops, most prestigious brands and cafés. At one end is the Armazéns do Chiado shopping centre and the Largo do Chiado square at the other. Along the way, you will encounter the Bertrand bookshop that first opened its doors in 1732 and is thus considered the oldest in the world. Housed inside the beautiful Art Nouveaux façade is the beautiful Tous - Ourivesaria Aliança jewellery shop whose French Baroque interior is reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles. It is also on Rua Garrett you will also find the iconic A Brasileira coffee shop. It is here the "Bica" - Portugal's short expresso type of coffee was first served. Once a draw for Portugal's intellectuals, writers and poets, the café now is a popular tourist attraction, a place worth visiting if you don't mind the inflated prices.

The street's Igreja dos Mártires (Church of the Martyrs) stands on the site of the former Crusader camp used during the Siege of Lisbon. It was constructed on top of a burial ground created for the English contingent of the besieging army. Music recitals are often held in the church.

A curiosity shop that contains typical Portuguese products from yesteryear. For the locals, A Vida Portuguesa offers an experience of nostalgia and for the visitor an opportunity to marvel at the retro packaging and discover a souvenir a little different from the norm. The range of products on sale is vast ranging from Bordallo Pinheiro tableware to Couto toothpaste, Viarco Pencils, Coração metal cleaner, Ach Brito soaps, regional sweets and delicacies, schoolbooks, Sancho and Lona shoes, among many other brands which fly the flag for Portuguese quality manufacture. Originally A Vida Portuguesa was the brainchild of Catarina Portas, whose aim was to champion Portuguese manufacture and has become so popular there are now two shops in the Chiado: one at 11 Rua Anchieta and a larger space at 2 Rua Ivens. For a more in-depth insight please visit their  Website.