The Great Lisbon earthquake, 1st November 1755

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In 1755, Lisbon was considered one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Europe. The city retained some of its Moorish influence during the middle ages and Renaissance. The earthquake’s impact was profound and lasting and it became a topic for art and literature not only in Portugal but also in other European countries.

Its huge dimension was caused by the earthquake itself and also by the several fires that broke out all over the city as well as the tsunami. Most people left their homes and flocked to the shore looking for safety but a large wave swamped most of the city killing thousands of people.

As the first earthquake studied scientifically for its effects over a large area, it led to the birth of modern seismology and earthquake engineering.

Marquis of Pombal, the Portuguese Prime Minister was the responsible for all the rehabilitation effort and reconstruction work started and a new city with big squares, rectilinear, large avenues and widened streets was built.

 

Attractions

 

Praça do Comércio/Cais das Colunas

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The square (commonly known as Terreiro do Paço) meets the river at the Cais das Colunas.

This location was traditional where traders would sell their foreign wares and financiers would fund perilous expeditions to the far reaches of the world. In the middle we can see a magnificent statue of King José I, the Portuguese king at the time of the famous earthquake.

 

Café Martinho da Arcada;

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One of the ancient cafés in Lisbon where the famous poet Fernando Pessoa used to come to write and meet his friends.

 

Arco da Rua Augusta;

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This triumphal arch was built to celebrate the city's reconstruction after the great earthquake of 1755 and was inaugurated in 1873.

 

Rua Augusta / Elevador Santa Justa;

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The” Baixa” is trying to be a world heritage site and much work is being undertaken to renovate it. 

Sant Just lift is a neo-gothic elevator designed by Ponsard, an apprentice of Gustav Eiffel, and it was built to connect Lisbon downtown with Praça do Carmo (Bairro Alto).

 

Rossio

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Officially named Praça Dom Pedro IV, this square has been known as Rossio (meaning 'large public square') since its creation in the Middle Ages, and it is still commonly referred to as such. Rossio the most lively square in the city and it is lined with bustling cafés and shops, such as 
the historic Café Nicola (19th century)  and Pastelaria Suiça, popular for its outdoor terrace and pastry. The most prominent building is the National theater Dona Maria II.

 

Chiado

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The literary history of Chiado goes far back in time: the neighborhood is said to be named after a sixteenth-century poet, António Ribeiro, who lived in the area and was nicknamed 'Chiado'.

The Brasileira café has a beautiful interior and it was once a favorite meeting place of Fernando Pessoa and other Lisbon intellectuals.

Camões square is also named after a famous writer: Luís Vaz de Camões, who wrote the epic poem Os Lusíadas about the adventurous Portuguese and the Discoveries.

 

Rua do Alecrim/ Cais do Sodré

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Sodré is the name of a 15th-century family with businesses in this neighborhood which has always been linked to the maritime trade. Over time, the entire area from the waterfront to the two blocks north of it became known as Cais do Sodré.

 

Ribeira das Naus

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This waterfront area was where many of the Portuguese explorers' ships were built. Today it's a spacious landscaped promenade that invites you to sit in the sun by the river.