Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesPortuguese, English, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Overview
Discover the history of the event that changed the face of Lisbon. The 1755 earthquake transformed not only the city’s architecture and urban landscape, but also its political and social order, with repercussions far beyond Portugal.
Through historical accounts, images and archaeological remains, we’ll explore the Lisbon that existed before the disaster and uncover the story of the earthquake and tsunami through the voices of those who experienced it.
We’ll then look at the extraordinary rebuilding that followed: a combination of political power, engineering expertise and ambitious urban planning, driven by the Marquis of Pombal and an elite group of engineers.
From innovative anti-seismic construction to standardised architecture, we’ll discover the ideas and challenges behind modern Baixa.
This is a tour for anyone looking to go beyond the familiar story of the earthquake and gain a deeper understanding of its impact on Lisbon, Portugal and Europe.
What's included
Guiding services
What to expect
Cais das Colunas
Pass by
We’ll begin at Cais das Colunas, exploring Lisbon’s enduring relationship with the Tagus and the river’s role in shaping the city. From here, we’ll look at Lisbon before 1755 and uncover the story of the earthquake and tsunami through historical sources, contemporary accounts and personal memoirs that bring the disaster to life.
Arco do Triunfo
Pass by
At the Arco da Rua Augusta, we’ll look across Praça do Comércio and explore how the former Terreiro do Paço—the “Square of the Palace”—was transformed into a grand civic space. We’ll consider how this shift from royal power to commercial power reflects the ideas behind Lisbon’s rebuilding and shaped the city’s new identity after the earthquake.
If the queue is reasonable and the group is interested, we can also climb to the top of the Arco for spectacular views over the square, Downtown Lisbon and the Tagus.
Municipal Square
Pass by
At Praça do Município, we’ll discover a later layer of Lisbon’s history, including the 19th-century City Hall and the artistic patterns of traditional Portuguese calçada. This is also where the Portuguese Republic was proclaimed in 1910, giving us an opportunity to explore the end of the monarchy and the birth of the Republic.
We’ll also visit the Museu do Dinheiro, specifically to see the archaeological remains of a 14th-century city wall and uncover the curious story of how a former church became part of the Bank of Portugal’s museum.
Note: A visit to the Museu do Dinheiro is possible except on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Baixa de Lisboa
Pass by
As we explore the streets of Baixa, we’ll look more closely at the ideas behind Lisbon’s rebuilding. We’ll examine its remarkable urban design, standardised architecture and innovative construction techniques, including the hidden structural systems developed to make the new buildings more resistant to earthquakes. From the regular street grid to the structures within the buildings, we’ll uncover what made this reconstruction plan so groundbreaking.
Praca Dom Pedro IV
Pass by
At Praça da Figueira, we’ll discover how this lively square was once home to one of Lisbon’s main markets, and how an innovative medieval hospital once stood here before the earthquake. From there, we’ll continue to Rossio, one of Lisbon’s great meeting points since medieval times and a central stage for the city’s public life.
We’ll admire the traditional Portuguese calçada and the square’s distinctive 19th-century design, including its French-influenced fountains. We’ll also step inside São Domingos Church to uncover the fascinating story behind its uniquely atmospheric interior.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
I will be waiting for you by the lamp on the right, when you are facing the river.
End point
Rossio Square is as central as it gets. From here, you have all the transportation options you need.
Additional information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
