Rossio has been one of the city’s most central meeting points for centuries. Originally a site of public executions, demonstrations, bullfights and the headquarters of the Portuguese Inquisition, Rossio later became a favourite among artists and writers who used to frequent Café Nicola on the west side of the square. The iconic, mid-19th century design with hand-polished, black and white stone cubes is the reason why Rossio has also been nicknamed the 'rolling-motion square'.