Experience the captivating Inquisition Performance Tour, where crime, religion, and theater intertwine. Discover the meticulous preparation of the auto-da-fé, explore toponymic alterations, and delve into the history of the Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II. Conclude the tour with a visit to the renowned Martinho da Arcada café, frequented by the legendary poet Fernando Pessoa.
- Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II - We meet here where I will explain how the Inquisitio Palace became a Theatre and its relation with the criminals.
- Rua \’C1urea - 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.
- 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.
- Rua dos Correeiros - 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.
- 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.
- Martinho da Arcada - 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.
- Port toast at the historical Cafe frequented by Fernando Pessoa.
- water and comfortable clothes and shoes must be brought by the public
This tour merges elements of crime, religion, and theatrical art to offer an unparalleled experience. The Inquisition utilized theatrical techniques as a means of demonstrating power, with the auto-da-fé (the most extravagant display of penitents and punishments) involving meticulous preparation, from the costumes and songs to the sermons and choreography. In addition, the tour delves into some changes in place names over the 18th century, before and after the earthquake. There’s also space for a fado discussing the alley of straw and the birth of the phrase ‘a lot of shit’ in the Theater, along with alterations made to the comedy courtyard and the Inquisition Palace, now known as the Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II.
Lastly, we’ll have some port at the infamous Martinho da Arcada café, a place where Fernando Pessoa was known to write poetry while enjoying a serving of coffee.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.