Lisbon's São Paulo Square pavement seeks national protection

The Portuguese pavement at São Paulo Square in Lisbon is undergoing a classification process to obtain national protection status. Built in 1850 during the urban transformation following the 1755 earthquake, the pavement is considered a unique historical relic because it preserves its original design.

This stone carpet, composed of white limestone and black basalt, was the third major artistic paving project in Lisbon. The proposal for its classification was submitted by the Associação da Calçada Portuguesa, which is also part of the candidacy to have this traditional art form recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.