One of the most important moments in Portugal’s history, the earthquake that devastated Lisbon on November 1st 1755 has stayed forever in the memory of the Portuguese people.
The profoundly catholic society of 1755 Lisbon was celebrating All Saints Day in the first day of November. Churches were full with churchgoers assisting the morning mass.
At 9.30 am, there was an overpowering earthquake that lasted for a minute and a half. Other tremors followed it and there was increasingly more damage. People took shelter near the Tagus River’s empty margins. The water returned with an impressive strength, in the shape of a roughly 39 ft. tsunami. Many people died in Terreiro do Paço. The candles lit for the church ceremonies fell down and burned down Lisbon for 6 days. The buildings were destroyed, the fires burnt whatever there was left and the looting began, with 34 criminals being hanged on site during the month of November. The many thousands of deaths were hard to determine precisely. There are mentions of 10, 30 or even 70 thousand deaths.
The dazzling capital of an increasingly modern Europe and the leader of a world empire is shattered. Convents, churches, hospitals, palaces and thousands of houses were destroyed. The Royal House, the Opera, the House of India and the Royal Library with its 70 000 books were ruined beyond repair.
The Royal Family was still at Belém Palace, where they spent the summer, and escaped to the disaster unharmed. However, the King was forever terrified of being surrounded by stone walls. A luxurious complex of wooden tents was built for the King to live during the remaining 22 years of his life. The reconstruction of the city was up to his right-arm, the Marquis of Pombal.
This natural disaster was felt in other countries and in other parts of Portugal, although in a less catastrophic way. It shocked Europe and it is still now considered as one of the most devastating earthquakes that ever happened. It also marked the beginning of seismology and the preparations for this events.
Lisbon’s 1755 earthquake was a symbol of destruction and reconstruction at the same time. Lisbon arose from the ashes like a bright and contemporary city. The Marquis of Pombal designed spacious and geometrical streets and avenues, something unheard of in the ancient medieval Lisbon.
We encourage you to see this fascinating video from the Smithsonian Channel for a unique visual understanding of this happening. However, the best way to learn more about this historic event is by visiting Lisbon and walk the streets where everything happened with your own feet!
Come on a private tour in Lisbon and discover the city’s fascinating past. Come discover Portugal!
