Europe > Portugal > Lisbon Region
Listing ID: 45746

The Slave Trade In Lisbon – A Historical Walking Tour

★★★★★ 5 / 5 5 Reviews
On this private 3 hour walking tour you will learn how, in the 15th century, Portugal created the Atlantic Slave Trade, and how slavery went hand in hand with the journeys of exploration Portugal is most famous for. This educational experience cover the locations in Lisbon's historical city center associated with the Slave Trade and African History. Duration: 3 Hours (approx.)
Easy Cancellation - Cancel 3 days before for a full refund
Printed or mobile voucher accepted
Fast booking confirmation

Short Description: On this private 3 hour walking tour you will learn how, in the 15th century, Portugal created the Atlantic Slave Trade, and how slavery went hand in hand with the journeys of exploration Portugal is most famous for. This educational experience cover 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.

Long Description: IIn 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 between 12 to 14 million Africans sold into slavery and taken across the ocean to the Americas, it was a crime against the humanity of these individuals that lasted for four centuries.

In this walking tour you learn just how this trade shaped Portugal’s development. To that end will 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 a slave living in historical Lisbon, the importance of Brazil, 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 on 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.

A total of one coffee and WC break is included. The tour fully private, meaning it will only be you or your group interacting with your guide.

- What Will You Do

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 Saint Roque and 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;

- What Is Included

Professional tour guide
Local taxes and fees
Hotel Pickup (subject to confirmation on request)

- What Is Not Included

Meals and Drinks
Museum entrance fees
Hotel drop-off

Related Interest Points

Customer Reviews (5 reviews)

The Slave Trade in Lisbon: A Historical Walking Tour

★★★★★ Reviewed by Sara on 2023-05-02
This was without a doubt an informative tour about an important topic that doesn't get talked about very much in Portugal. Rui was a excellent tour guy who was very attentive to everyone's needs on the tour, and demonstrated his knowledge of this topic. In addition to speaking, he illustrated his talk with visual materials that really added to his presentation. He took us to many different sites related to Portugal's involvement in the slave trade, made sure he answered our many questions, and left me feeling as if I had learned so much! This is a must-see for anyone who is in Lisbon, include those who are Portuguese and were never taught this history in school. Thank-you Rui for such a valuable 2 1/2 hrs!

Fascinant, enrichissant

★★★★★ Reviewed by Johan on 2019-11-19
Visite très agréable au sein de la ville permettant de comprendre les rouages politiques économiques du Portugal au cours de l'histoire. Guide très sympathique agréable et maîtrisant le sujet. Je recommande

★★★★★ Reviewed by Ryan on 2019-04-07

Profunda experiência histórica

★★★★★ Reviewed by Raphael on 2019-01-26
Gostaria de recomendar imensamente o passeio guiado sobre a história da escravidão no Imperio Português, que pude realizar com o excelente guia senhor Rui. O passeio permite conhecer a história da escravidão juntamente com a história política de Portugal. Ouvir essa parte da história ao longo de uma caminhada pelas ruas de Lisboa, visitando locais em que ocorreu, nos faz pensar e conhecer a história de uma forma diferente.

Another way to discover Lisbonn

★★★★★ Reviewed by Thiandella on 2018-11-08
Very interesting tour! Rui has a great knowledge about the subject and about Lisbonn and portuguese history in general. You really feel the passion when you talk with him and he is a very pleasant person. If you want to know more about this (hidden) side of history, in which portuguese had a very imortant role, and wich is in general summarized in "Portuguese great Explorations", don't hesitate and book this tour. You will enjoy! Thiandella.

Book in 3 Easy Steps

3 - Click to book now

Experience Info

- Best price guarantee
- Duration: 3 hours
- Printed tickets are accepted
- Mobile tickets are accepted
- We speak: PT language flag EN language flag ES language flag

Meeting Point

Lisboa
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
- Show Me In The Map

Need more info?

Send a message to the tour provider.
Your question will be answered shortly.