The Inquisition in Lisbon
Lisbon is famous for its sunny streets, historic buildings, and rich culture. But behind this lively image lies a darker chapter: the Inquisition. In this listicle, we’ll look at The Inquisition in Lisbon: Historical Sites and Their Dark History.
The Portuguese Inquisition, established in 1536, focused on rooting out heresy, especially among “New Christians” (Jews forced to convert to Christianity) and others seen as threats to Catholic teachings. The Inquisition lasted nearly three centuries, with Lisbon at its heart.
If you’re interested in this darker side of Portugal’s past, Lisbon has several key places that reveal the impact of the Inquisition. Here are the most important ones to visit:
The Inquisition in Lisbon: Historical Sites and Their Dark History
1. Palácio da Inquisição (Palace of the Inquisition)
- Location: Rossio Square
- Historical Significance:
The Palace of the Inquisition, or Tribunal do Santo Ofício, was the center of the Portuguese Inquisition in Lisbon. Located in busy Rossio Square, it housed courtrooms where suspects were interrogated, often brutally. Thousands of people, including Jews, Protestants, and those accused of witchcraft, faced harsh trials here.
The building no longer stands, but its legacy is clear. Over 40,000 cases were tried here. Those found guilty suffered severe punishments, from fines to execution. Rossio Square itself was a site for autos-da-fé, public ceremonies where convicted heretics were sometimes burned at the stake. - Today:
While the palace is gone, Rossio Square remains a historical spot. Walking through this lively area, with its cafés and classic architecture, it’s hard to imagine the horrors that once took place here.
2. São Domingos Church
- Location: Praça de São Domingos, near Rossio
- Historical Significance:
Igreja de São Domingos was a key site during the Inquisition. Just steps from Rossio Square, this church hosted autos-da-fé, public events where Inquisition sentences were read aloud. Those condemned were either reconciled to the Church or handed over for execution.
The church, dating back to the 13th century, was damaged in the 1755 earthquake and again by a fire in the 1950s. Its eerie, charred walls and columns offer a haunting reminder of the past. A plaque outside marks the 1506 Massacre, when a mob attacked Lisbon’s Jewish population, fueled by Inquisition-driven hatred. - Today:
The church remains open to visitors. Its somber atmosphere is a fitting place to reflect on the horrors of the Inquisition.
3. Casa dos Bicos – The José Saramago Foundation
- Location: Alfama
- Historical Significance:
Casa dos Bicos, known for its distinctive diamond-shaped façade, is linked to the Inquisition’s broader impact. While the building itself predates the Inquisition, it now houses the José Saramago Foundation.
Saramago, a Nobel-winning writer, was a vocal critic of the Church and its abuses. His foundation now occupies this Renaissance building, providing a place to reflect on the legacy of oppression that the Inquisition left behind. - Today:
Visitors can explore exhibitions about Saramago’s life and works, many of which deal with themes of persecution, injustice, and the abuse of power—echoing the era of the Inquisition.
4. National Museum of Ancient Art
- Location: Rua das Janelas Verdes
- Historical Significance:
While primarily known for its vast collection of European and Portuguese art, the museum also includes works from the Inquisition period. Paintings and sculptures from the 16th and 17th centuries reflect the religious zeal that the Inquisition tried to protect.
The Church commissioned many artists of this time, and their works often focus on devotion, martyrdom, and the “purity of faith” that the Inquisition sought to enforce. - Today:
The museum’s religious art collection provides valuable context for understanding Portugal’s spiritual landscape during the Inquisition. Don’t miss pieces by famous Portuguese painters like Grão Vasco and Nuno Gonçalves.
5. Largo de São Domingos and the Jewish Memorial
- Location: Near Rossio Square
- Historical Significance:
Largo de São Domingos was the site of a tragic event in 1506. During a plague, a mob attacked Lisbon’s Jewish community, many of whom had been forcibly converted to Christianity. This massacre was fueled by the anti-Semitic fervor stirred by the Inquisition.
The attack and the later Inquisition were tied to the persecution of the Jewish population in Lisbon. - Today:
A memorial here honors the victims of both the massacre and the Inquisition. It serves as a reminder of the violence and intolerance that once gripped the city. The plaque reads: “In memory of the thousands of Jews who were victims of intolerance and religious fanaticism.”
6. The National Archives of Torre do Tombo
- Location: Alameda da Universidade
- Historical Significance:
Torre do Tombo is Portugal’s national archive, where many Inquisition-related documents are kept. Founded in the 14th century, the archive holds records of trials, decrees, and other official papers from the Inquisition.
These documents provide insight into how the Inquisition worked and how it impacted the lives of its victims. They offer a vivid picture of how trials were conducted and what punishments were given. - Today:
Although not a museum, Torre do Tombo is open to researchers and the public. If you’re deeply interested in the Inquisition, this is where you can explore original trial records and other historical documents.
7. Carmo Convent and Archaeological Museum
- Location: Largo do Carmo
- Historical Significance:
The Carmo Convent, now in ruins after the 1755 earthquake, is one of Lisbon’s most striking historical sites. While it’s not directly linked to the Inquisition, the convent offers a look at religious and social life during the Inquisition era.
Once a powerful institution, the convent now stands as a symbol of Lisbon’s medieval past. The attached museum displays artifacts from the period, helping visitors understand the historical context of the Inquisition. - Today:
The convent’s haunting ruins are open to visitors. The museum offers a collection of medieval artifacts, providing insight into the period when the Inquisition was most active.
Final Thoughts: A Dark Legacy Still Felt
While Lisbon is famous for its beauty, the legacy of the Inquisition is a reminder of the city’s darker past. Visiting these sites reveals the deep impact of the Inquisition on Lisbon’s history, where fear, faith, and power collided with tragic results.
As you walk through these historic places, take a moment to think about those whose lives were shattered by the Inquisition. Although the physical reminders of this period are few, its impact still shapes the city. Exploring these locations offers a powerful view of a time when religious zealotry led to the persecution of many, and it reminds us of the importance of tolerance and justice today.
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