If you're walking through Alfama, there is a small detail on Rua do Salvador that is very easy to miss.
On the wall, you can still find a traffic sign from 1686.
Lisbon already had traffic problems more than 300 years ago. The streets were narrow, and when coaches and litters met, there often wasn't enough space for both to pass.
So King Pedro II introduced rules to decide who had to move back.
The sign on Rua do Salvador tells coaches and litters coming from one direction to reverse and give way.
It was basically a 17th-century traffic sign.
And it is still there today.
The original inscription says:
“Anno de 1686. Sua Majestade ordena que os coches, seges e liteiras que vierem da Portaria do Salvador recuem para a mesma parte.”
“In the year 1686, His Majesty orders that coaches, carriages and litters coming from the Salvador entrance must reverse and give way.”
You can find it on Rua do Salvador in Alfama, so if you're already exploring the neighbourhood, it is an easy little piece of Lisbon history to look for.
Planning your trip to Lisbon? 🇵🇹
I've created a 68-page Lisbon Travel Guide with the places I recommend, local restaurants, practical tips, neighbourhoods, day trips and organised Google Maps lists to help you plan your stay.
You can get it here:
www.portugaldigitalguides.com
0 comments