Avenida da Liberdade (Liberty Avenue), Lisbon

Liberty Avenue, a central boulevard in Lisbon, is renowned as one of Europe's most prestigious and expensive streets. Its history dates back to the 18th century, originating as a park for Portuguese nobility. Transformed into a boulevard between 1879 and 1886, the avenue marked Lisbon's northward expansion, modeled after the grand boulevards of Paris. It connects the Marquis of Pombal Square, also known as the Rotunda, in the north to Restorers Square, which is the gateway to Lisbon's Baixa district.

The avenue retains elements of its original park, including statues representing the Tagus and Douro rivers, fountains, and a waterfall from the 1830s. Following this, you'll encounter landscaped garden areas enclosed by four marble statues symbolizing Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

In recent decades, many historic buildings in the area were replaced by modern offices and hotels. Despite this, the avenue is still adorned with multiple monuments, including tributes to the Portuguese poet and politician Almeida Garrett, novelist and historian Alexandre Herculano, and a 1931 World War I memorial.

Today, Liberty Avenue is a hub of luxury. Towards its upper stretch, housing some of Lisbon's most upscale real estate, you'll find a concentration of international high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, Chanel, and Gucci. Its central location places it near prominent landmarks like Eduardo VII Park, Queen Maria II National Theatre, and the Avenidas Novas district.

The avenue is also a destination for luxury hotels, including those from Sofitel, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, and Dom Pedro Hotels. Additionally, it is home to several cinemas and numerous cafes and patisseries. During the summer months, some of these establishments extend their services into the well-lit central gardens, creating a lively evening atmosphere enriched with music.

As a prestigious address in Lisbon, Liberty Avenue blends historical significance with modern elegance, serving as a symbol of the city's cultural and economic vitality.