Martim Moniz Square

Martim Moniz is the starting point of the route of tram 28, and the terminal for those coming from the opposite direction.

This is the main square of Mourraaria. Mourraaria literally means “Moorish quarter.” It was where the Moors who weren’t slaughtered when King Afonso Henriques conquered the city in 1147. They were allowed to live until 1497. In 1497, Moorish and the Jews were expelled from Portugal. 

Martim Moniz was a knight of a Portuguese soldiers who sacrificed his life in the door of the castle Saint George during the war between moorish and Portuguese in 1147. During the war he lodged his body in the heavy door of the castle disabling the Moors from closing it, which gave the Christian soldiers time to arrive and reconquer the castle at the birth of the nation of Portugal.

Later the Martim Moniz square was named after this soldier to remember his contribution to the victory of Portuguese. For many years it was a slightly downtrodden and neglected area in downtown of Lisbon.

Over the years, Martim Moniz square has evolved considerably. From being a silent spectator to the city's past, it is now a vibrant focal point, frequented by locals and visitors. The square also hosts a variety of cultural and social events, solidifying its position as a lively hub in the heart of Lisbon.

Famous fado restaurent, Maria da Mourraaria is situated right next to the square which once used to be the house of the first fado singer of Portugal called Maria Severa Onofriana.