Lisbon, 1 November 1755: The Awakening

Many know famous Baixa Pombalina in Lisbon. At the same time, many are surprised when they learn what a special and unique story is behind this beautiful part of the historic centre of Lisbon. On 1 November 1755 Lisbon was destroyed by so-far largest documented earthquake in Europe, powerful tsunami, and fire. Literally nobody could understand what happened. Where did earthquake and tsunami come from? In contrast with the catastrophe and desperate feelings of scholars, Lisbon was lucky to have Marquis of Pombal, a truly enlightened prime minister, who devised a macroseismic questionnaire and introduced anti-seismic requirements in the reconstruction of Lisbon.