Edition 92 - Aristides de Sousa Mendes

05.08.2024 • 19.08.2024

“What kind of world is this where you have to be mad to do the right thing?”. This edition pays homage to Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the Portuguese consul who saved millions of lives from the horror of the holocaust. The man who had the courage to do the right thing, only following the rules of his enlightened disobedience.

Monuments & Attractions

Aristides de Sousa Mendes Museum

Aristides de Sousa Mendes Museum, housed in the iconic Casa do Passal, has opened its doors, celebrating the memory of a great man who saved thousands of persons from the horror of the Holocaust. A landmark praised by Pope Francis and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres.

Aristides de Sousa Mendes: the insubordinate consul

“I could not have acted otherwise, and I therefore accept all that has befallen me with love.”

Aristides de Sousa Mendes: a family man

Life and legacy of Aristides de Sousa Mendes: Diplomat, family Man, and unyielding defender of Humanity. His brave acts and tragic end remembered.

Aristides de Sousa Mendes in the University of Coimbra

Aristides de Sousa Mendes: Life and Education at the University of Coimbra. Diplomacy and Freedom of Thought in the Early 20th Century.

Casa do Passal: Reviving the legacy of Aristides de Sousa Mendes. A symbol of defiance and justice, now reborn thanks to global support.

Vilar Formoso - Frontier of Peace

“May God bless Vilar Formoso for the humanity it had toward those foreigners 73 years-ago. May I have the privilege of being able to offer that goodness to everyone during my life.” Henry Galler

Aristides de Sousa Mendes in the National Pantheon

On October 19th 2021, Aristides de Sousa Mendes was given the honours of remaining in the National Pantheon by the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. A truly deserved recognition to a man who saved thousands of lives from the certain death in the Holocaust.