The Heroines of Lisbon

This walking tour traces Lisbon’s history through the eyes of the women who helped shape the city and its cultural waves. It begins at the Kit Garden, where Joana Vasconcelos’s striking red sculpture was created to bring people together. From there, you’ll head toward the Mouraria and Alfama districts, where narrow alleys were once filled with the voices of the varinas, the fishmongers who carried the day’s catch through the streets, and the fado singers who turned everyday struggle into haunting songs. You’ll pause for a coffee and light snack at a traditional café before continuing to Baixa, where Vos will uncover how homes and livelihoods were rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. Then, you’ll climb into Bairro Alto to visit a convent once reserved for noble girls, a living reminder of women’s devotion and confinement through the centuries. The walk concludes in Santa Catarina, at one of Lisbon’s most beautiful viewpoints, where you can reflect on this new lens of history.

Behind the many kings, explorers, and historic monuments are the women who kept Lisbon running, yet never made the history books. In this tour, you’ll hear about figures like Queen Catarina de Bragança, who brought tea to England and diplomacy to Europe; revolutionary writer Natália Correia; and the Three Marias, whose banned writings challenged the dictatorship and helped fuel the cultural awakening that preceded the April 25 Revolution. You’ll also learn about the varinas of Alfama, whose independence and strength became symbols of Lisbon’s popular culture. As you pass viewpoints, convent courtyards, and narrow streets, you’ll see how their presence has always been there, just written between the lines. Guided by historian-journalist Vos, you’ll have a lively conversation mixing solid research with storytelling, humor, and reflection. By the end, you’ll see how Lisbon’s foundations were shaped by generations of women, even if their names rarely reached the monuments.

Vos is a Belgian-born historian, journalist, and author who has called Lisbon home since 2012. Her background in historical research and storytelling shapes every experience she leads, blending academic depth with a journalist’s curiosity and an insider’s understanding of the city. Through years spent in archives and conversations with locals, she has uncovered the hidden narratives that connect Lisbon’s streets, songs, and revolutions. Thoughtful and engaging, Vos brings history to life with clarity and warmth, showing how the city’s true story can be told beyond the monuments, bringing the spotlight to the people who help shape it.

Wear comfortable walking shoes to tackle the cobblestone streets, bring water, and a camera or smartphone for the many viewpoints.