Cities that were destroyed and rebuilt

Lisbon’s Rebirth After the Catastrophic 1755 Earthquake

The 1755 earthquake devastated Lisbon, but it also led to one of history’s first modern urban planning efforts. Under the guidance of the Marquis of Pombal, the city was rebuilt with a focus on safety and aesthetics, introducing new architectural styles and earthquake-resistant designs.

Lisbon’s rebirth transformed it into a symbol of Enlightenment thinking, demonstrating how disaster can drive innovation and progress in urban development.