Womens Historical Walking Tour in Lisbon (Combo)

The Women’s Historical Walking Tour in Lisbon offers an eye-opening exploration of the city’s past. Participants will discover how women played pivotal roles in restoring Portugal’s independence, acting as courageous spies during WWII, and influencing the country’s political landscape through its reigning queens. This captivating tour not only highlights the resilience and strength of Lisbon’s female residents but also underscores their enduring impact on the city’s cultural identity and community spirit. What secrets might these winding streets hold?

Key Points

• Explore the roles of women spies in Portugal’s Restoration of Independence in 1640 and their impact on national identity.
• Discover the contributions of female WWII spies in Lisbon, using their artistic, social, and technical skills for critical intelligence gathering.
• Trace the legacy of pioneering Portuguese queens, such as Leonor and Maria I, who shaped cultural and political landscapes through reforms and advocacy.
• Witness the resilience and strength of women and local communities, exemplified by the survival of São Domingos Church during the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.
• Understand the essential roles of women in Lisbon’s political recovery and identity formation after the 1755 earthquake, through relief efforts and cultural preservation.

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Restoring Portugal’s Independence in 1640

As the tour begins at Restauradores Square, you will explore the pivotal events surrounding the Restoration of Portugal’s Independence in 1640.

They’ll learn how a group of noblemen and commoners overthrew the Spanish Habsburgs and reinstated the Portuguese Braganza dynasty.

The guide will highlight the crucial role of women spies who gathered intelligence and supported the rebel forces.

Participants will gain insight into how this landmark event shaped Portugal’s national identity and the lasting impact on the country’s political and social landscape.

Women Spies During WWII

Moving from the Restoration of Portugal’s Independence, the tour then explores the heroic contributions of women spies during World War II.

Lisbon served as a hub for espionage, and the tour highlights the courageous efforts of Portuguese women who risked their lives to gather intelligence and assist the Allied forces.

Participants will learn about:

1. Maria Keil, a graphic designer who used her artistic skills to create coded messages.

2. Armanda Pinto da Fonseca, a socialite who exploited her connections to relay vital information.

3. Aida de Sousa, a telephone operator who intercepted critical communications.

4. Celeste de Carvalho, a nurse who smuggled documents across the border.

The Influence of Portugal’s Reigning Queens

The Rossio, Lisbon’s central square, serves as a fitting backdrop to discuss the profound influence of Portugal’s reigning queens.

From the legendary Queen Leonor, who championed education and women’s rights, to Queen Maria I, whose progressive reforms modernized the country.

These pioneering monarchs wielded immense power, shaping Portugal’s cultural and political landscape.

Their legacies continue to inspire, as participants uncover how these remarkable women navigated the challenges of their time and left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the pivotal role of female leadership in Portugal.

Resilience and Strength of Women and Communities

From the stately Rossio, the tour now shifts its focus to the São Domingos Church, a testament to the resilience and strength of women and their communities.

The church’s storied history includes:

The church’s storied history includes surviving a devastating earthquake, providing refuge, serving as a hub for activism, and representing the enduring spirit of the local community.

1. Surviving a devastating earthquake in 1755 that destroyed much of Lisbon.

2. Providing refuge and support to women and families during wartime.

3. Serving as a hub for social and political activism, empowering women’s voices.

4. Representing the enduring spirit of the local community, overcoming hardship through collective solidarity.

This stop on the tour highlights the remarkable fortitude of Lisbon’s women, who’ve shaped the city’s identity through their unwavering determination and compassion.

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Women’s Roles in Economic and Social Life

As the tour progresses, participants arrive at Praça da Figueira, a former main market that sheds light on women’s critical roles in Lisbon’s economic and social fabric.

Here, the guide explains how women were the backbone of the city’s commercial activity, operating stalls and managing household finances. They wielded significant influence, negotiating prices and fostering community connections.

The Praça da Figueira highlights how women’s entrepreneurial spirit and economic contributions shaped Lisbon’s vibrant marketplace and, by extension, its social and cultural identity.

This stop underscores the profound impact of women’s work in sustaining the city’s prosperity.

Cultural Moments and Female Heroines in the Fight for Freedom and Equality

Moving on, the tour celebrates cultural moments and female heroines in the fight for freedom and equality.

Participants will explore the Chiado and Largo do Carmo neighborhoods, where they’ll learn about:

Participants will explore the Chiado and Largo do Carmo neighborhoods, learning about the cultural significance and female activists’ contributions.

1. The cultural significance of this area and its connection to female activists.

2. The heroic actions of women during pivotal moments in Portugal’s history.

3. The contributions of female figures who championed equality and social justice.

4. The role of women in shaping Lisbon’s identity and political recovery.

These insights aim to challenge perspectives and deepen understanding of the city’s past through the lens of women’s experiences.

The Impact of the 1755 Earthquake

The tour concludes at Praça do Comércio, where you will discuss the impact of the devastating 1755 earthquake.

This natural disaster devastated Lisbon, destroying much of the city center and killing tens of thousands. The earthquake’s impact was far-reaching, disrupting the country’s political and economic stability.

However, the recovery process highlighted the resilience and determination of the Portuguese people, including the contributions of women.

Participants will explore how women played vital roles in rebuilding Lisbon and shaping the city’s identity in the aftermath of this catastrophic event that forever changed the course of Portugal’s history.

Women’s Contributions to Political Recovery and Identity

Though the devastating 1755 earthquake had shaken Lisbon to its core, the city’s women played a vital role in its political recovery and the shaping of its new identity.

Women:

1. Organized relief efforts, providing food, shelter, and medical aid to those in need.

2. Advocated for rebuilding the city in a more modern and organized fashion, contributing to urban planning decisions.

3. Participated in the political discourse, voicing their concerns and influencing the direction of the nation’s recovery.

4. Preserved cultural traditions and passed them on, ensuring Lisbon’s unique identity endured through the hardship.

The Sum Up

The Lisbon Women’s Historical Walking Tour provides a captivating glimpse into the vital roles women have played in shaping the city’s history. From courageous spies to influential queens, the tour celebrates the resilience, strength, and enduring impact of women on Lisbon’s cultural identity and community spirit. It’s a powerful exploration of the untold stories that have contributed to Portugal’s rich heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: