Move over, Hollywood, because there’s a new Walk of Fame in town, except this one is in Lisbon.
On the pavements of Lisbon’s Praça da Alegria in the heart of the capital is Portugal’s very own Walk of Fame. The names of 142 stars from Portugal’s stage and screen aren’t cast in granite squares. Instead, each name is constructed in cobblestones on the typical calçada (Portuguese pavement) that weaves around the park, showcasing some of the most famed celebrities in the country, both past and present.
Almost 60 years after Los Angeles’ Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard was first revealed to the public, Lisbon’s aim was to celebrate those dedicated to the world of Portuguese entertainment. The Walk of Fame was subsequently unveiled in April 2019 on Theatre Day (Dia Teatro). During the opening ceremony, in the presence of dignitaries and national stars, actress Sofia Grillo expressed her gratitude for the tribute, highlighting the importance of theatre for the culture of each country. “Theatre is life and culture. It is what gives identity to each country.”
the list of recognised personalities has grown over the years. In March 2022, 25 more names were added, followed by another 20 in 2023, 32 in 2024, and 30 more back in March of this year, bringing the current total to 142 names of celebrated artists. This year, the late actor and director Francisco Ribeiro (1911–1984), who received the Eduardo Brazão Prize in 1959 and the Bordalo Prize in 1969, was one of the 30 names added to the Walk of Fame. Others inscribed in the 2025 additions include actors André Gago and Adriano Luz, and actresses Joana Seixas and Maria Tavares, as well as singer António Calvário, who won the first TV Grand Prix of the Portuguese Song, to name but a few.
Some of the most famous names included on Passeio da Fama are the late actor and director, Nicolau Breyner (1940–2016) and Portuguese stalwart, the actress Laura Alves (1921–1986), whose tiled names have provided iconic Instagram picture opportunities in recent years. However, it isn’t just those appearing on stage and screen who are recognised; a bust has also been erected of the romantic composer Alfredo Keil (1850–1907), who composed the song ‘A Portuguesa’, one of Portugal’s most famed pieces of music.
Starting with the inscription of just 35 names, the list of recognised personalities has grown over the years. In March 2022, 25 more names were added, followed by another 20 in 2023, 32 in 2024, and 30 more back in March of this year, bringing the current total to 142 names of celebrated artists. This year, the late actor and director Francisco Ribeiro (1911–1984), who received the Eduardo Brazão Prize in 1959 and the Bordalo Prize in 1969, was one of the 30 names added to the Walk of Fame. Others inscribed in the 2025 additions include actors André Gago and Adriano Luz, and actresses Joana Seixas and Maria Tavares, as well as singer António Calvário, who won the first TV Grand Prix of the Portuguese Song, to name but a few.
Some of the most famous names included on Passeio da Fama are the late actor and director, Nicolau Breyner (1940–2016) and Portuguese stalwart, the actress Laura Alves (1921–1986), whose tiled names have provided iconic Instagram picture opportunities in recent years. However, it isn’t just those appearing on stage and screen who are recognised; a bust has also been erected of the romantic composer Alfredo Keil (1850–1907), who composed the song ‘A Portuguesa’, one of Portugal’s most famed pieces of music.
During its inauguration six years ago, former parish council president Vasco Morgado explained in Jornal de Notícias that this new tradition in the city is an ongoing project and he hoped that, over the years, the names of great personalities from the entertainment industry can be registered and given the recognition that they rightly deserve.
The location of the Walk of Fame couldn’t be any more fitting. Praça da Alegria is located in Santo António parish, which has the most theatres per square metre in Lisbon, showcasing the best of dramas and musical theatre in the country like London’s West End and New York’s Broadway. Lisbon’s Hard Rock Cafe is a seven-minute walk down the road celebrating international rock royalty.
The fact that so many stars are amazed to see names immortalised on Portugal’s Walk of Fame demonstrates it is no mean feat. Only the most regarded are honoured by seeing their name in cobblestones, a very Portuguese alternative to having your name in lights. Who knows, with a lot of dedication and true passion for the arts, maybe one of you might just find your name on Praça da Alegria. But don’t give up the day job just yet!
Walk of Fame (Passeio da Fama)
Praça da Alegria, 1250-004 Lisboa
Metro: Blue Line (Linha Azul), Tram: 51E, Buses: 711, 736, 744
