The square owes its name to the men who led the 1640 revolt against the Spanish and proclaimed the independence of Portugal. The event is commemorated by the obelisk in the centre. Avenida da Liberdade leads from the square to Eduardo VII Park and the Foz Palace, which houses the Lisbon Tourist Information Centre, and Eden Teatro. Near the avenue is a picturesque pedestrian street: Rua das Portas de Santo Antão.
