On the 1st of November 1755, Lisbon was hit by one of the most devastating earthquakes in European history. The earthquake, estimated to have a magnitude of 8.5 to 9 on the Richter scale, lasted around six minutes and caused massive destruction, followed by a tsunami and fires that ravaged the city for several days.
Despite this disaster, the Palácio Ludovice survived as almost 85% of Lisbon's buildings were reduced to ruins. Its robust structure survived, inspiring the architects of the period under the direction of the Marquis of Pombal to use its innovative construction to rebuild Lisbon to seismic norms.
Today, the Palácio Ludovice is much more than a hotel ; it's a living monument to Lisbon's history. Its capacity to survive one of the worst natural disasters of its time, and to inspire the rebuilding of the city, makes it a symbol of architectural excellence.
(Lisbon before the earthquake, Unknown) (The ruins of Lisbon, John Singleton Copley) (Palácio Ludovice today)