Fundação José Saramago

At the Casa dos Bicos, in Lisbon, the José Saramago Foundation brings together the writer’s memory and a long urban history. Established by José Saramago in June 2007, the foundation is dedicated to literature and culture in the Portuguese language, to promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to defending the environment. Since June 2012, it has been based in this building on Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, commissioned in 1523 by Brás de Albuquerque, son of Afonso de Albuquerque, after a journey to Italy. The façade, classified as a National Monument, is distinguished by stones carved into diamond points, in Renaissance taste, and by windows inspired by the Manueline language. The house has had private and public uses, was once used as a cod warehouse, and today hosts the permanent exhibition dedicated to Saramago’s life and work. On the ground floor, the archaeological centre reveals traces of Lisbon from the Roman occupation to the present day.

Why it matters

The José Saramago Foundation was established in 2007, two years after Portuguese writer José Saramago was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Located in the Casa dos Bicos, in Lisbon, the foundation's mission is to preserve and promote Saramago's literary and intellectual legacy, as well as to foster culture in general. The Casa dos Bicos, a Renaissance building with a distinctive facade, was chosen as the foundation's headquarters due to its cultural symbolism and Saramago's connection to the city of Lisbon. Born in 1922, Saramago was one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, known for his unique style characterised by long sentences and unconventional punctuation. His work addresses themes such as the human condition, power, social injustice, and solidarity, making him a central figure in world literature. The foundation was created to ensure that his work continues to inspire future generations, promoting not only reading but also critical thinking and intercultural dialogue.

Architecture and history

The Casa dos Bicos, where the foundation is based, is one of Lisbon's most iconic buildings. Built in the early 16th century by Brás de Albuquerque, son of the famous Viceroy of India Afonso de Albuquerque, the house stands out for its facade adorned with diamond-shaped stones, inspired by the Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara, Italy. This design was highly innovative for its time and sets the building apart from other Renaissance constructions in Portugal. The building suffered significant damage during the 1755 earthquake, which devastated much of Lisbon. During the 20th century, the Casa dos Bicos was restored and adapted for various uses, including warehouses and offices. In 2012, after further restoration work, it was officially inaugurated as the headquarters of the José Saramago Foundation. Inside, modern walls blend with archaeological remains, creating an atmosphere that reflects the blend of history and modernity, a characteristic also found in Saramago's work.

More context

Visitors to the José Saramago Foundation have the opportunity to explore not only the life and work of the writer but also the history of Lisbon. On the first floor, there is a permanent exhibition dedicated to the life of José Saramago, where you can see manuscripts, rare editions of his books, photographs, and personal objects that help tell the story of the writer. The exhibition also highlights his political and social commitment, illustrated by documents and correspondence. On the second floor, the foundation organises temporary exhibitions and cultural events, such as lectures, readings, and debates. These events are a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Saramago's work and its relevance today. In addition, the foundation's library, which contains an extensive collection of the author's books and works by other influential writers, is open to the public for consultation. The Casa dos Bicos is also a point of interest for its own history and architecture, offering visitors an enriching experience both from a literary and historical perspective. From the foundation, you can also explore the historic area of Lisbon, with its rich cultural and gastronomic offerings.