Avenida da Liberdade

Avenida da Liberdade (Portuguese for "Avenue of Liberty") is a boulevard in central Lisbon, Portugal, considered among the most expensive streets in Europe.^[1] Originating in the Passeio Público , an 18th-century park built for the Portuguese nobility, the avenue was constructed between 1879 and 1886, when the former park was turned into a major boulevard, marking the city's northward expansion during the 19th century. The Avenida is also home to numerous embassies and diplomatic missions.^{[2] [3]}

The Avenida connects Marquis of Pombal Square in the north to Restauradores Square, marking the entrance to the Lisbon Baixa. Locals commonly refer to it simply as"Avenida" (the Avenue).

The Avenida da Liberdade, as well as the Restauradores Square, have their origins in the Passeio Público, a public park inaugurated in the area in 1764. A project led by Pombaline architect Reinaldo Manuel. The park was initially surrounded by a high wall. It was revamped in the 1830s and 1840s by architect Malaquias Ferreira Leal, who introduced a new arrangement of the flora as well as fountains, a waterfall, and statues. The allegoric statues representing the Tagus and Douro rivers that still exist in the boulevard of the Avenida date from this time.

The Avenida was built between 1879 and 1886, modeled after the boulevards of Paris.^[4] It was planned to expand further north, through what is the present central lawn lane of the Eduardo VII Park. However, these plans were abandoned in the 1960s.

Many of the original buildings of the Avenida have been demolished in the last few decades and replaced by modern offices and hotel buildings. Today, it is decorated with many monuments and statues that pay homage to important personalities like Almeida Garrett, Alexandre Herculano and others. The prominent monument to the fallen in World War I, inaugurated in 1931, is the work of Rebelo de Andrade and Maximiano Alves.

Due to Avenida da Liberdade's central location and proximity to locations and institutions such as The Chiado district, Marquis of Pombal Square, Queen Maria II National Theatre, the Avenidas Novas, Eduardo VII Park, the Lisbon Baixa, and numerous others, the avenue has long been considered the heart of Lisbon. It has become an international luxury destination for its shopping, hotels, and fine dining.

The Avenida is home to one of the largest concentrations of international luxury brands in Europe, including brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Christian Dior, Chanel, Versace, Balmain, Gucci, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, Christian Louboutin, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Tod's, Ermenegildo Zegna, Molteni&C, and Burberry.^{[5] [6]}

The Avenida is a destination for luxury hotels, including those from the following groups: Sofitel, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, Dom Pedro Hotels & Golf Collection, and Fontecruz Hotels, among numerous others.

The Avenida serves as a major artery in central Lisbon, connecting the Avenidas Novas to the Lisbon Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, and more.

There are three Lisbon Metro stations along the Avenida:^[7]

• Restauradores at the southeast end, under Restauradores Square, served by the blue line.
• Avenida at about the midpoint of the avenue, served by the blue line.
• Marquês de Pombal at the northwest end, under Marquês de Pombal Square, served by the blue and yellow lines.

• Hotel Heritage
  Hotel Heritage
• Monument to António Feliciano de Castilho
  Monument to António Feliciano de Castilho
• Luxury hotel
  Luxury hotel
• Monument to World War I
  Monument to World War I
• Monument to Alexandre Herculano
  Monument to Alexandre Herculano

• Avenida da Liberdade in the Portuguese Institute for Architectonic Heritage. (in Portuguese)

• Avenida da Liberdade Designer Shops and Their Addresses

38°43′13′′N 9°08′45′′W / 38.72028°N 9.14583°W / 38.72028; -9.14583