Architecture of Lisbon: A Historical Tour with Context

Prior to the devastating earthquake of 1755, Lisbon boasted a skyline adorned with Gothic architecture that captured the imagination. From elegant, detailed facades to soaring arches, every symbol of Lisbon‘s grandeur succumbed to the relentless tremors. On this walking tour created by architect and Context Travel expert, Bert De Muynck, you‘ll spot traces of the city‘s architectural past, and learn about its rebuilding.

Our tour starts in front of Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, the city’s iconic observation point, where Bert will offer you insights into Lisbon’s history and culture, and unravel the captivating tapestry of its architectural heritage. You‘ll learn about the 1755 earthquake, an event that shook the city to its core, and the period of transformation the city underwent as a result. You‘ll visit the city’s commercial center and historic heart, Baixa, and hear how its grand squares, elegant grid layout, and beautifully restored buildings serve as a living testament to Lisbon‘s resilience and rich heritage. The tour ends in front of Casa dos Bicos, a cultural center, and one of the few landmarks to have survived the disastrous earthquake.

On this walking tour of Lisbon, you‘ll:

• Discover Lisbon‘s most iconic architectural marvels, from ornate arches to charming squares
• See establishments that are woven into the city‘s cultural fabric, and relive its cultural awakening
• Try pastel de nata and hear how the Jerónimos Monastery invented the tasty treat
• Take in stunning vistas of Lisbon‘s downtown, its distinctive neighborhoods, and the Tejo Estuary
• Stroll across grand historical squares like Praça Luís de Camões, Rossio Square (officially known as Praça Dom Pedro IV), Praça de Figueira, and Praça do Comércio
• Learn about the origin of Portuguese tiles, or azulejos, as ornamentation and how they became the symbol for Lisbon's rebirth during the post-earthquake recovery
• Find out how the disaster spurred a movement towards architectural simplicity and aesthetic rationality and decoration
• Step into Café A Brasileira, the birthplace of brilliant ideas, passionate debates, and artistic inspiration during the 1900s
• Experience the city's architectural revolution from exquisite to deceptively simple churches, including the Church of Saint Roch, the Church of Saint Dominic, and the Church Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha
• Gaze upon the building holding the Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II, which survived the 1755 earthquake, but was destroyed by a fire in 1836
• Spot the historical figures that adorn the Arco de Rua Augusta (Rua Augusta Arch)

If you want to truly understand how Lisbon rose from the ashes, transforming itself into the world‘s most modern 18th-century downtown area, join us on this captivating hour-long walk that will transport you through centuries of history, culture, and architectural wonder.