…Lisbon could be seen stretching beyond the city walls. The castle dominated the panorama, while church towers and spires rose above the rooftops of the houses below, a blurred conglomeration of gables. (…)
There stood Lisbon, presented on the palm of the earth, a façade of high walls and tall houses.
SARAMAGO, José, Baltasar & Blimunda, Harvill Press/London, 1998
Portugal, 1711: an amorous friar is pursued naked through the rubble-strewn streets of Lisbon; an enthusiastic procession of flagellants roars with pleasure over the damnation of adultery; a royal prince uses hapless sailors for target practice; and women dressed in colorful finery watch as lapsed converts and sorcerers are put to death by flames. In the midst of the terrors of the Inquisition and the plague, a seemingly mismatched couple discovers the wonders of love. This poetic tale, graced with exquisite historical detail and full of magic and adventure, is a tapestry of human folly and human will. The best-loved of all of the great Jose Saramago's works, this novel radiates with achievement. (From AMAZON)
Tour
José Saramago weaves the early 18th century Portugal almost like a fairy tale where a King, a one-harm soldier, a witch, a flying priest merge into a magical story.
We may not recognize the Lisbon where Baltasar arrives. But through the guidance of Saramago’s novel, we will have a glimpse of the atmosphere of the bustling city.
Even if you haven’t read the novel, the tour will unravel a different Lisbon.
Book now
2h30
130€ (For a maximum of 10 pax)
Casa dos Bicos, Lisboa
Lisbon Literary Tours is a side project of
© Lisbon Literary Tours
Desenvolvido por L. Abrantes