Lisbon is a city full of energy and personality that gave birth to a poet who became the very symbol of Portuguese poetry in the world: Fernando Pessoa. In this regard, it is possible to follow in his footsteps with a Lisbon tour lasting a day focused precisely on Pessoa, on his places and the venues where the poet pleasantly spent his time.
Pessoa’s Birthplace
His birthplace is located in Largo de S. Carlos, where he spent his early years before leaving for Latin America and eventually returning to Lisbon until his death.
The first place to consider and visit is the Casa Fernando Pessoa, a cultural center with free admission dedicated to the poet since 1993, located at Rua Coelho da Rocha 16.
The second stop will be refreshing: it is advisable to sip a good coffee at Café A Brasileira, a venue deeply loved by the poet and Portuguese intellectuals, a meeting place that became an attraction in itself, so much so that in 1997 it was awarded the title “Portuguese architectural heritage“. Outside, you can notice a bronze statue of Pessoa, realistically seated at a little table.
The next stop will be Largo Raphael Bordalo Pinheiro: a photo of the building with orange hues and a general glance at this place Pessoa often frequented.
Checking the time, there is still time to wander around the area, making sure to start heading towards Praça do Comércio 3, where the Café Martinho da Arcada is located: just as Pessoa often did, one might have lunch here, choosing typical dishes of Portuguese cuisine.
There is a fair distance to cover before reaching the next stop of the Lisbon tour following Pessoa’s footsteps: the destination is Praça D. Pedro IV (Rossio).
Here it is possible to glimpse an ancient tobacconist, very well preserved with much of the internal decorations still intact. It is the Tabacaria Mónaco, dating back to 1893.
The afternoon can be dedicated to shopping or other visits; for dinner, there are two options, still sticking to the “Pessoa” theme: if you want to dine inside a historic brewery frequented by the poet, then Cervejaria Beira Gare is the right address. Fish specialties (seafood and grilled cod especially) are highly recommended.
Alternatively, if you want to have dinner in a proper restaurant, you must go to Rua dos Douradores 190, to the Restaurante Pessoa which, as the name suggests, is dedicated to him.
The evening can continue with watching a show or a concert: Pessoa regularly attended the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos. The building is located at Rua de Serpa Pinto 9.
A day full of places dear to Fernando Pessoa, for a Lisbon tour centered on his life and poetry.
