Martim Moniz Square, Lisbon, Portugal

According to legend, Martim Moniz was a knight in D. Afonso Henrique's army during the city's reconquest in 1147 (D. Afonso Henriques was the first king of Portugal). Seeing one of the gates open he threw himself into the breach, allowing for the invading army to enter at the cost of his own life.
Martim Moniz square results from the demolition of Lower Mouraria in the mid 20th century, including the street after which the square is named. Only the chapel of Our Lady of Good Health survived the demolition. In the 90s the city council decided to make the toponym official and maintain the homage to the hero of questionable existence.
During many years the square looked very degraded, until 2012, when the city council decided to renovate, adding new kiosks and esplanades. This square is also known as Lisbon's Chinatown, due to the existence of many Chinese and Indian shopkeepers. The fountain is a reference to the old wall, of which only an unrecognizable tower remains near the square.
At the weekends there's a market (Mercado da Fusão), where it's possible to buy crafts and biological products and which can occasionally include live music.
The square is also the terminus of the well-known tram 28. It is increasingly becoming one of the most emblematic squares in Lisbon.

How to go: Tram 28 or Martim Moniz metro station.












Local: Praça Martim Moniz, Lisboa, Portugal

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