Pombaline style

Pombaline style

Pombaline style, also known as the Pombaline Baixa or simply Pombalino, is an architectural style associated with the reconstruction of downtown Lisbon, Portugal, following a devastating earthquake in 1755. This style is characterized by the use of symmetrical and orderly facades with simple geometric designs, predominantly in a gridiron street layout. The buildings are typically made of masonry and feature wrought iron balconies. The Pombaline style is named after Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, the Marquis of Pombal, who led the reconstruction efforts and imposed strict building regulations to create a more earthquake-resistant city. This architectural style represents a significant shift towards modern urban planning and safety considerations in response to a natural disaster.