Rossio & Praca da Figueira

Rossio is the local nickname for Praca Pedro IV and with all the hustle and bustle of office workers, peddlers and tourists; it operates almost like a mini-district on its own. It certainly looks the part: cobblestone streets, fountains and perched high on a marble platform is Dom Pedro IV (first emperor of Brazil). Rossio train station, with its filigree horse-shoe shaped arches is standout, along with Teatro Nacional de Mona Maria II which harbours a dark past as the site of the Portuguese Inquisition. If you look further you’ll find Praca da Figueira which has lots of al-fresco cafes for you to sit and sip a bica as you admire the castle on the hillside.