The theatrical path of the Inquisition in the Autos-da-Fé

Show all photos
1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 3 more

Crime, religion and theater techniques combined, make this tour unique.
The Inquisition used theater methods to manifest itself in the exercise of power. The auto-da-fé (the most spectacular exhibition of the penitentes and of the penalties) had a very careful preparation that went from the vestments to the songs, passing through the sermons and choreography. At the same time, I will talk about some toponymic alterations throughout the 20th century. XVIII, before and after the earthquake. There will also be room for a fado about the alley of straw and the origin of the expression "a lot of shit" in the Theater, as well as changes to the patio of comedies and the Palace of the Inquisition, currently the Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II.

Finally, we will have a port at the famous Martinho da Arcada café, where Fernando Pessoa wrote poems over a cup of coffee.

What's Included

For the adults a port toast at the Cafe where Fernando Pessoa used to have coffee and write.
water and comfortable clothes and shoes must be brought by the public

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Go to the main entrance in Rossio. It is the big old white and wide building,

End point

Under the Arcades in São Martinho da Arcada coffee shop where Fernando Pessoa used to drink his coffee and write poems.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    We meet here where I will explain how the Inquisitio Palace became a Theatre and its relation with the criminals.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    When we arrive to the beginning of this street, I will tell how it changed its name and how the penitents of the Inquisition would do the procession.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Largo de Sao Domingos

    We will come to the front of the church where penitens condemned to burn at stake used to leave from in the dark.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Here you'll find out about the changes of the name of the street and I will sing a Fado with the same name of the old street. I will also tell you where our best playwright of the 18th century udes to live and I will reveal the origin of the expression "loads of shit" that is used in the Theatre openings.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco)

    We will get to the place where it was most comun to announce the penalties and verdicts and also where a whole thetarical scene was staged with the thrones of the kings in replics. They also used to burn people here.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Here is where Fernando Pessoa (our most international poet) used to seat for a coffee and write his poems and stories. We will have a port wine.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Supplied by Bruno Schiappa

Show 2 more

Tags

Hiking Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Crime Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}
Check availability