Historical Walking Tour in Lisbon

Highlights

Starting the Historical Walking Tour, we embark on experiencing the very site where the first Pride Festival made history. From this significant starting point, we delve into the narratives that have shaped our community's existence. Our journey takes us through the chapters of Portuguese colonialism, the transformative 25th April Revolution, and the impactful LGBTQ+ figures of that era, leading us to the contemporary landscape of today's queer movements. Our journey culminates at a queer-owned restaurant, where we come together to celebrate our shared story.

This immersive experience spotlights the Queer history of Portugal, with a focus on BIPOC queer narratives, offering a perspective on Portugal's history through the eyes of queer non-European locals who intimately live the queer experience of Lisbon.  Total distance: 5km (3,4 miles). Approx. 4 hours.

Our gift is an updated list of Lisbon's LGBTQIA+ scene and its community, sent to you by e-mail. Curated by the founders of the Queer Lisbon Tours, it features: venues, events, performances, artists, health & beauty services, other amazing tours to get to know Lisbon. The criteria for our compilation is to give relevance to BIPOC and Immigrant owned spaces, real trans-friendly venues, safe spaces for our community, warm costumer service and the best hidden jams out of the mainstream LGBT spots.

Itinerary

You will experience Príncipe Real. A district rich in queer history, boasts several iconic spots that have shaped Lisbon's LGBTQIA+ culture. There you will learn about all the venues that provided an essential space for public expression of LGBTQIA+ identity, amid the social repression that persisted in the country for a long time even after the carnation revolution. You will also learn about the history of António Serzedelo, an important queer activist, who defied societal norms and endured repression during Portugal's dictatorship era. And you will learn about Gisberta's legacy, that marked a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights of both Portugal and Brazil.

The next stop is at Largo Trindade where we will uncover the historical significance of São Roque, a 16th-century Catholic church that survived the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Additionally, the tour will touch on intriguing historical events associated with the church, shedding light on society's attitudes towards sexuality in the past. This stop provides insights into Portugal's colonial history, the consequences of exploitation, domination, and ethnocide, and the role of the Catholic Church in standardizing culture within Portuguese territories. The discussion will invite us to reflect on human rights, decolonization, and the evolving perspectives surrounding historical monuments, such as the statue of Antônio Vieira, located at Largo Trindade.

At Largo do Carmo, you will step into a vital location in Portugal's history, where the crucial 1974 Carnation Revolution unfolded. This square witnessed the surrender of the regime members to revolutionary military forces on April 25th, marking the end of the longest dictatorship in Europe, which had endured for 48 years. The discussion will touch on the criminalization of homosexuality during the regime and its intensification, exploring the oppression faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, who were marginalized, institutionalized, and subjected to censorship. The narratives of historical figures like Julio Fogaça who navigated their homosexuality during this period, will be shared to illuminate the challenges and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community in Portugal's past.

Rossio Square, once a symbol of intolerance, 
has transformed into a place for multicultural communities in its surroundings. This square carries a deep history, showcasing the Church's violent past while symbolizing the transformative power of migrant flows in shaping our cities. Dona Maria II Theater, built upon the former palace of the inquisition, serves as a backdrop to discuss the persecution and repression faced by LGBTQ+ communities. The square's contemporary identity as a gathering place for the African community of Mouraria and hosting an African Market reflects the ongoing influence of migrant fluxes in shaping the city's future, fostering a sense of revolution through diversity. You'll also observe the transformation of cultural institutions like Dona Maria II Theater, which have embraced diversity and decolonial narratives in their programming, thanks to the strong engagement of the LGBTQIAPN+ and migrant movements. Yet, the struggle for inclusivity and representation continues, exemplified by Keyla Brasil's courageous protest at Teatro São Luiz, which sparked a vital conversation on transgender representation in the arts, showcasing the ongoing need for change and progress in Portuguese society.

Martim Moniz Square, named after the knight who played a pivotal role in Lisbon's history, serves as a captivating backdrop for our research of multiculturalism and the evolution of Pride Parades. Over the years, Martim Moniz has evolved into a vibrant space that brings together diverse migrant communities. And since 2023, this square has been the starting point for the Lisbon Pride Parade, a noteworthy shift from its previous location. This relocation might signify how BIPOC and immigrant queer individuals are reshaping the social fabric of the city, even within the LGBTQ+ community.

Graça, the highest of Lisbon's seven hills, is our last stop and it holds a unique place in the city's history. Initially characterized by its rural roots, the neighborhood witnessed a transformation during the industrial revolution, attracting a multitude of workers as factories and workshops sprang up. In response to the growing population, cultural and educational institutions like cinemas, radios, and schools were established to serve the community. At the heart of Graça lies the Jardim da Cerca da Graça, a vibrant garden that has earned its reputation as the most LGBTQ+ friendly gathering place in the city. This neighborhood serves as a space for social life and leisure within the queer community, setting itself apart from the more bourgeois, predominantly male-centric Principe Real neighborhood. Graça, on the other hand, embraces its multicultural identity. Exploring the thriving queer scene in Graça reveals a tapestry of bars and restaurants such as Criolense, Valsa, Damas, and Botequim, each contributing to the neighborhood's vibrant LGBTQ+ culture.

Details

Departure Point: Principe Real Garden, next to the Juniper tree, maps: https://tinyurl.com/w6626wty

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 7 days before the experience’s start time.

• 50% refund if the tour is canceled less than 7 days before the start.

• No refund for any cancellation less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

• Tour can be canceled in case of bad weather and a full refund can be issued.

• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

• The donations towards our project are non refundable.

FAQ

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Q: What's the minimum people required for the tour to happen?

A: The tour requires a minimum of two participants for it to proceed.

Q: Is the experience canceled when it rains?

A: The tour can be canceled if it rains and you will be totally refunded. Our policy is that if the rain stops at least 1 hour before the tour starts, we don't offer a total refund, but we offer a voucher that you can use in another time! That's a policy to protect the work of our guides.

Q: Is food included in the price?

A: No, food and beverages are not included in the ticket price.