Lisbon in the 18th Century: The Great Earthquake of 1755

Guided Tour: "1755 – The Day Lisbon Fell"

Route: Chiado → Largo do Carmo → Baixa Pombalina → Rua Augusta → Praça do Comércio

Distance: approximately 1.5 km

The 1755 earthquake killed tens of thousands of people, destroyed the capital of the Portuguese Empire, and shook Europe. But it also gave rise to a new city. As we walk through the Baixa, we are not just walking through streets; we are walking over one of the greatest urban reconstructions in history.

Point 1 – Largo de Camões (Chiado)

Theme: Lisbon before the catastrophe

Mid-18th century Lisbon was one of the richest cities in Europe. If you were here on the morning of November 1, 1755, what would you be hearing?

Point 2 – Largo do Carmo

Theme: The earthquake

The events begin at 9:40 in the morning. When the earth stopped shaking, Lisbon thought the worst was over. But the worst was yet to come. 

Way to Baixa

Theme: The medieval city

Descent to Baixa and explanation of the structure of the medieval city.

Point 3 – Rossio

Theme: Human chaos

Thousands dead and injured. Widespread panic. Many survivors sought refuge by the river. The city looked like a battlefield.

Point 4 – Rua Augusta

Theme: The tsunami

The Tagus River and the arrival of giant waves that devastated the city.

Point 5 – Rua Augusta (by the Arch)

Theme: The Great Fire

Lisbon was not destroyed by a single disaster, but by three.

Point 6 – Arco da Rua Augusta

Theme: The Marquis of Pombal

Bury the dead and care for the living. Explanation of the immediate measures taken after the catastrophe.

Point 7 – Praça do Comércio

Theme: The birth of modern Lisbon

The Pombaline reconstruction: one of the first modern urban planning projects in Europe.