Earthquakes and Espionage: A Self-Guided Lisbon Walking Tour

5.0 (1 reviews) Lisbon, Portugal
Duration1h 30m - 2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Explore Lisbon’s resilience on this self-guided walking tour through the historic Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto districts. Starting at the riverside Praça do Comércio, you will trace the city's journey from the Age of Discovery through the devastating 1755 earthquake to its WWII espionage era.

Key Highlights:

Historic Landmarks: Visit the site of the 1506 massacre at São Domingos Church and the earthquake-rebuilt Rua Augusta.

Cultural Icons: See the Santa Justa Lift, the Masonic-themed House of the Tablets, and the 1905 A Brasileira café.

Unique Stories: Discover a monastery refectory turned brewery and learn why Rua da Rosa was named after a flower.

What's included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
  • Food and drink
  • Transportation

What to expect

  1. Pass by
    Stroll through this riverside square, formerly the site of the Ribeira Palace. Learn about King José I, the 1755 earthquake, and the departure of explorers like Vasco da Gama. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
  2. Pass by
    Walk under this triumphal arch featuring statues of historical figures like Vasco da Gama and the Marquis of Pombal. It serves as a majestic gateway to the city's grid-aligned Baixa district. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
  3. Praca Da Figueira
    Pass by
    Pass by this former hospital site and open-air market, now home to a statue of King John I. Discover the treaty with England and the start of the Age of Discovery. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
  4. Pass by
    Stop at this historic church to learn about the 1506 massacre and the Inquisition. It stands as a powerful reminder of religious history and the city's resilience. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
  5. Memorial as Vitimas do Massacre Judaico de 1506
    Pass by
    Pause at this stone memorial dedicated to the thousands of "New Christians" killed during three days of religious intolerance. It honors those victimized by 16th-century fanaticism. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
  6. Pass by
    Walk along the steep 18% gradient where these iconic 1885 cable cars operate. Learn about their counterweight system and the city’s plans for enhanced safety requirements. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
  7. Pass by
    Stroll past this vibrant park often filled with musicians and street performers. It offers a panoramic 360º view of central Lisbon’s historic districts and Saint George's Castle. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
  8. Pass by
    Wander through this 1500s neighborhood, a hub for journalism, Fado music, and rebellious nightlife. Its narrow, tiled streets survived the great earthquake, preserving its authentic charm. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
  9. Largo Trindade Coelho
    Pass by
    Cross through this square named after the famous short-story writer. It houses the Church of St. Roch, a shrine for plague victims decorated with immense amounts of gold. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
  10. Elevador de Santa Justa
    Pass by
    Walk toward this 45-meter wrought-iron vertical lift built in 1902. Learn about its Neo-Gothic style and enjoy the viewing platform overlooking the castle and Rossio Square. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The tour begins in the Praça do Comércio or commercial square by the giant statue of the king on a horse. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends at the Largo do Chiado, Lisbon, Portugal.

Additional information

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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