The Slave Trade in Lisbon - A Historical Walking Tour

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3 Hours

Group option

Live guide

Lisbon

On this small group, 3 hour walking tour, you will learn how in the 15th century Portugal pioneered the Atlantic Slave Trade and how slavery went hand in hand with the journeys of exploration that Portugal is most famous for.

This educational experience covers the locations in Lisbon’s historical city center associated with the Slave Trade and African History, but will also address Portugal’s contemporary History and the recent fall of the country’s colonial empire in the mid 1970’s.

Description

In the first half of the 15th century, Portugal under the guidance of Prince Henry the Navigator, began what we now refer to as the Atlantic Slave Trade. This trade saw approximately 12.5 million Africans sold into slavery and taken across the ocean to the Americas. It was a brutal trade that lasted for four centuries.

In this walking tour, you will learn how the Slave Trade shaped Portugal's development. You will be guided along back streets and main avenues, monuments, churches and public squares that have a connection with this history and can offer insight into how Lisbon was marked by slavery. We will address various topics such as the genesis of the slavery in the Iberian peninsula, the birth of the Atlantic Slave Trade, the Age of Discovery, the day to day aspects of the life of an enslaved person living in historical Lisbon, the importance of Brazil,towards the abolition of the trade in Portugal, the Portuguese colonies in Africa and the struggle for liberation by African nationalists.

This tour is conducted by a licensed local guide whose mission is to inform travelers what they need to know to enhance their stay in Lisbon, and to promote Portugal's culture and heritage. From recommendations of things to do in the city, to insider advice on public transportation, to other areas you would want to visit on your stay, feel free to ask your guide anything.

The maximum number of participants is 8 people. This way a personal and engaging experience is guaranteed.

Highlights
  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the historical quarters of the city coupled with insightful commentary and information
  • Gain insight into a topic rarely addressed in the tourism industry
  • Visit the Church of São Domingues
  • A detailed explanation on Portugal’s role during the Age of Discovery and the African Slave Trade
  • Learn how Portuguese culture and contemporary history was shaped by Africa
Inclusions/Exclusions

Inclusions:

  • Professional tour guide
  • Local taxes and fees

Exclusions:

  • Meals and Drinks
  • Museum entrance fees
  • Hotel pick up / Hotel drop-off
Meeting Point

In front of the fountain located in the Largo do Chafariz de Dentro

Tour Languages

united-kingdom portugal spain

We provide our tours in this specific languages.

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Details

  • Duration : 3 Hours (approx.)
  • Price per person:  30.00 € – Adults; 15.00 € – Youth and Children; 0.00 € – Infants  VAT Included
  • Schedule: Choose between a morning (10:00 am – 1:00 pm) or an afternoon tour (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm)
  • Meeting Point: In front of the fountain located in the Largo do Chafariz de Dentro