Casa José Saramago
Discover the former home and literary sanctuary of Nobel laureate José Saramago, a place of reflection and inspiration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Casa José Saramago
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the former home and literary sanctuary of Nobel laureate José Saramago, a place of reflection and inspiration.
"Simply amazing, almost mystical, feels like you can meet Saramago reading a book inside the house."
📚 Guided Tour Recommended
Guides are friendly, smart, and share fascinating stories. An audio guide is also available.
☕ Enjoy Portuguese Coffee
A delicious Portuguese coffee is often served during the tour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Olive Tree and Ash Sculpture
Largo José Saramago
A poignant steel sculpture embracing an olive tree, holding the ashes of José Saramago. A touching tribute.
Saramago's Former Residence
Inside the museum
Explore the rooms where the Nobel laureate lived and worked, feeling his presence through personal belongings.
The Foundation's Library
Second floor
A serene space filled with Saramago's books and a curated selection, perfect for literary exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Embrace the Literary Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Guided Tour Recommended
Guides are friendly, smart, and share fascinating stories. An audio guide is also available.
☕ Enjoy Portuguese Coffee
A delicious Portuguese coffee is often served during the tour.
🛍️ Visit the Bookstore
Find Saramago's books in various languages and other literary treasures.
🏛️ Free Ground Floor Access
Explore the ruins of Saramago's house on the ground floor for free.
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Guided Tour Recommended
Guides are friendly, smart, and share fascinating stories. An audio guide is also available.
☕ Enjoy Portuguese Coffee
A delicious Portuguese coffee is often served during the tour.
🛍️ Visit the Bookstore
Find Saramago's books in various languages and other literary treasures.
🏛️ Free Ground Floor Access
Explore the ruins of Saramago's house on the ground floor for free.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Casa José Saramago as a deeply moving and insightful experience, especially for fans of the Nobel laureate. The knowledgeable and friendly guides, the intimate atmosphere of the former home, and the well-stocked library and bookstore are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the visit is relatively short, it's considered a highly worthwhile exploration of Saramago's life and literary legacy.
"Really lovely little museum and library in the former home of Jose Saramago. We popped in for a tour, the guide was friendly and showed us through the house, supplemented with an audio tour. Great visit, takes about an hour - well worth it, especially for fans of the late Nobel laureate."
ayanamidreamsequence
"Before visiting the place, I had no idea who José Saramago was, so it was a total discovery. I am surprisingly enthusiastic about the visit. The guide was very nice and interesting 😇. It was nice to discover the house he lived in and the library. There is a lovely shop at the end of the tour where you can buy books of the writer in different languages. It is a good opportunity to discover its books. I can't wait to start reading it 😍"
Mery W.
"The lady who did the tour was very friendly, empathetic, smart and sophisticated. I learned a lot and enjoyed all the little stories. Future guests: Look forward to the most awesome surprise at the end of the tour in the library … Thank you to all the professionals working at this house - you are wonderful! God bless you!"
Luca Milano
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Casa José Saramago is located in the Alfama district of Lisbon. You can reach it by taking Tram 28, which stops nearby, or by walking from the city center. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk through the historic streets.
Parking in the Alfama district can be challenging due to narrow streets. It's generally recommended to use public transport or a taxi/ride-sharing service to reach the museum.
Many visitors enjoy exploring the Alfama district on foot, so consider walking to the Casa José Saramago as part of a broader exploration of the neighborhood.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ground floor ruins of the house are free to access. For the upper floors, including the library and exhibition spaces, there is a small admission fee, typically around €2.00.
While not always strictly necessary, booking a guided tour in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and ensure a comprehensive experience.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Casa José Saramago website for the most up-to-date information on their operating times.
Yes, an audio guide is available in multiple languages, which can supplement the guided tour or be used for a self-guided exploration.
The library is part of the ticketed experience for the upper floors. You can browse and purchase books there, but access is typically included with your admission.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
A guided tour and exploration of the house and library usually takes about an hour.
You'll see the former residence of José Saramago, his personal library, exhibits on his life and work, and the poignant olive tree sculpture outside.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. The guides are known for being friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging, offering deep insights into Saramago's life. +1
The ground floor with the ruins is generally accessible. However, access to the upper floors with the library and exhibitions might be limited for those with significant mobility challenges. It's advisable to inquire directly with the venue.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask staff upon arrival. Generally, personal photos without flash are often permitted in common areas.
🎫 📚 Books & Literature
The foundation has an excellent bookstore on the second floor where you can purchase a wide selection of Saramago's works in various languages.
The library was a personal space for Saramago and now houses his collection, serving as a hub for literary events, lectures, and a place for visitors to connect with his work.
Yes, the foundation often hosts literary events, poetry readings, and lectures, particularly those committed to peace and human rights.
His most acclaimed works include 'Blindness' (Ensaio sobre a Cegueira), 'All the Names' (Todos os Nomes), and 'The Gospel According to Jesus Christ' (O Evangelho Segundo Jesus Cristo).
Absolutely! The guided tours and the library are designed to introduce visitors to his literary world, making it a great starting point for new readers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to gauge your children's interest in literature beforehand. For younger kids, a shorter visit focusing on the free ground floor and the outdoor sculpture might be more suitable. The bookstore offers a chance to find children's books or simpler introductions to literary concepts if available.
📚 Literary Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to browse the bookstore for rare editions or works in different languages. Engaging with the collection and the stories shared by the guides will undoubtedly deepen your understanding and appreciation of Saramago's significant contribution to world literature.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Solo visitors often appreciate the opportunity to discover a new author at their own pace, perhaps picking up a book from the bookstore to read later in their trip. The friendly guides and the welcoming atmosphere make it a comfortable and rewarding solo excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of José Saramago
+1The foundation, housed in his former residence, serves as a cultural center. It hosts exhibitions, lectures, and literary events, fostering dialogue on literature, human rights, and social justice. Visitors can gain a deep appreciation for Saramago's life, his writing process, and the impact of his words on global literature and thought.
Stepping into Casa José Saramago offers a unique opportunity to connect with the spirit of the author. The atmosphere is often described as 'mystical' and 'amazing,' allowing visitors to feel a personal connection to Saramago's intellectual and creative world.
Exploring the Architecture and Surroundings
A particularly touching element outside the museum is the Largo José Saramago, a small square featuring a striking steel sculpture that embraces an olive tree. This sculpture was erected to commemorate Saramago's 100th birthday and holds the ashes of the writer, making it a significant memorial.
While the museum focuses on Saramago's life and work, its location in Alfama allows visitors to combine their visit with an exploration of one of Lisbon's oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods. The area is known for its Fado music heritage and traditional Portuguese architecture.
The Library and Bookstore Experience
Adjacent to the library is the bookstore, a treasure trove for bibliophiles. Here, you can find a wide array of Saramago's novels, essays, and short stories, often available in multiple languages. It's an ideal place to pick up a souvenir or a new book to start reading his acclaimed works.
Many visitors express delight in discovering Saramago's books here, with some purchasing their first Saramago novel after their visit, inspired by the engaging tours and the intimate setting. The bookstore is a perfect extension of the museum experience, allowing the literary journey to continue beyond the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit