Cais das Colunas, Historical wharf in Santa Maria Maior, Portugal.
Cais das Colunas is a stone wharf marked by two distinctive marble columns at its entrance, extending from Terreiro do Paço into the Tagus River. The wharf provides direct access to the riverfront and is surrounded by other historic buildings of the square.
After the 1755 earthquake that destroyed the city, the wharf was rebuilt as the main maritime gateway to Lisbon. It became a central entry point as part of the square's reconstruction efforts.
The columns follow the design of Solomon's temple and connect Portuguese maritime heritage with religious meaning. They stand today as a symbol linking the river to the spiritual beliefs of the city.
The wharf is located near Terreiro do Paço metro station and is easy to reach. The area is accessible and offers good views of the river during both day and evening hours.
The two marble columns were removed in 1997 for metro construction and stored in a depot for several years. They were precisely reassembled at their original location in 2008.
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