Lisbon 'City of Spies' Tour
- general info
- rates & booking
- map
- photo gallery
- sustainability
Portugal remained neutral in World War II and Lisbon became a rendezvous spot for spies, taking advantage of the city's strategic Atlantic connections, and quickly turning into a true "nest of spies" as mentioned in several period chronicles. The "plane to Lisbon", as an escape route in the movie Casablanca, remains one of the best-known examples.
Inside the city both the Allies and the Axis kept impressive diplomatic services: probably the only place in war-torn Europe where all sides were able to meet on equal grounds. As a matter of fact, the Portuguese eight centuries of History are rich in stories involving spies, and the most important ones are related with the Discoveries. In the beginning of this period, secret maps, secret devices and obvious upper hand knowledge gave the Portuguese sailors the competitive advantage to lead this worldwide enterprise.
Some of these mysteries will be revealed during this tour:- Christopher Columbus - a Portuguese spy?
- The secret navigation devices
- The background for the World Split treaty in 1494
- The most famous spy Hotels in Lisbon: Hotel Aviz is one of them... check on our Top End Hotel list and Avenida Palace.
- The refugees and the fashion trends
- The lonely fight of the Portuguese consul in Bordeaux
- The Jewish gold and the tungsten traffic
- The spy network on Allied ship convoys
- The games of the political police
Inside the city both the Allies and the Axis kept impressive diplomatic services: probably the only place in war-torn Europe where all sides were able to meet on equal grounds. As a matter of fact, the Portuguese eight centuries of History are rich in stories involving spies, and the most important ones are related with the Discoveries. In the beginning of this period, secret maps, secret devices and obvious upper hand knowledge gave the Portuguese sailors the competitive advantage to lead this worldwide enterprise.
Some of these mysteries will be revealed during this tour:- Christopher Columbus - a Portuguese spy?
- The secret navigation devices
- The background for the World Split treaty in 1494
- The most famous spy Hotels in Lisbon: Hotel Aviz is one of them... check on our Top End Hotel list and Avenida Palace.
- The refugees and the fashion trends
- The lonely fight of the Portuguese consul in Bordeaux
- The Jewish gold and the tungsten traffic
- The spy network on Allied ship convoys
- The games of the political police
- Duration: 2 hour(s)
- Location: Lisbon - Praca do Comercio
Our tours are planned to be different and unexpected from any other you will find in the city. The itinerary depends on various factors: the number of participants, the style, the nationality, the mood, the weather... hence it is moulded day to day, with a very personal touch. So be ready for surprises!
Basically we will take you to see places that you wouldn't find by yourselves.
