Portugal

LISBON

Witness the enchanting beauty of pre-earthquake Lisbon in the mid-18th century through the captivating museum model, offering a rare glimpse into the city's rich heritage.

Discover the lost charm of Lisbon before the devastating earthquake of 1755 through the meticulously crafted museum model, showcasing the town's magnificent architecture and vibrant culture.

Situated in western Portugal on the estuary of the Tagus River, Lisbon is the westernmost capital city in Europe. It serves as the country's chief port, largest city, and a major commercial, political, and tourist center. The city's name evolved from the ancient Olisipo, with its founding often attributed to the legendary Ulysses, hero of Homer's Odyssey. Lisbon's historical significance is largely due to its stunning natural harbor, considered one of the most beautiful in the world.


By the 15th century, Lisbon had become a pivotal center for Portuguese exploration. The city center was devastated by a massive earthquake in 1755 but was rebuilt under the guidance of the Marquis de Pombal. Today, it stands as a bustling modern metropolis. In recognition of its cultural significance, Lisbon was designated a European City of Culture in 1994 and hosted the World's Fair (Expo 1998) in 1998.


Despite its modernization, Lisbon retains much of the charm of a 19th-century city.


Located on the north bank of the Tagus River estuary, about 8 miles from where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon enjoys a unique geographical setting. The river runs almost straight and about 3 km wide from the ocean to the city. The 25th of April Bridge spans the river on the west side of the city. East of the bridge, the Tagus broadens dramatically into an 11 km wide bay known as the Mar de Palha, which shimmers in the sunlight.


Lisbon is built on a series of terraces ascending the slopes of low rolling hills that rise from the banks of the Tagus River and the Mar de Palha, extending northwest toward the Sintra Mountains. The lush Mediterranean and Atlantic European flora covering these mountains provide a picturesque retreat for the city's inhabitants.

The Museum of Lisbon displays (in its long-term exhibition) a scale model of Lisbon in the baroque period, by the mid-18th century, before the tragic events ocurred on November 1, 1755, when an earthquake struck Lisbon and destroyed the downtown and riverside area almost entirely. 

The scale model sits on 17 boards and was done on a scale of 1:500 by Ticiano Violante studio under the supervision of the historian Gustavo de Matos Sequeira. The Museum of Lisbon devotes one entire room to the scale model which has been constantly and regularly updated with new multimedia contents. It is one of the highlights of the museum and very popular among visitors. 

Additional information

Wikipedia

Visit Lisboa

Technical information

Creator: J. M. Barata
Year of manufacture: 1955
Material: Wood, Plaster
Dimensions: 10260 x 4060 cm

SOURCES:

Rebelo, Luís de Sousa , Ehrlich, Blake and Gaspar, Jorge B.. "Lisbon". Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Mar. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/place/Lisbon. Accessed 22 March 2023.

Tomáš Linhart's request to Paulo Almeida Fernandes (paulofernandes@egeac.pt), Museu de Lisboa, Lisbon, 20.06.2022

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