On Sunday 12 October at 15.00, we shall be guided by Marisa Filipe as we explore the machinations of spies of various nationalities in Estoril, which, during the Second World War, became a stage for spies, double agents, and secret deals. Among the well-known names likely to come up are Ian Fleming, Kim Philby, Malcolm Muggeridge, and Duško Popov, shown here on the beach at Estoril, who was the inspiration for James Bond.
The visit will end in the Palácio Hotel, where there is a lengthy corridor of photos and artifacts relating to distinguished guests and some of the spies. We will be shown round by Sr. João Diogo. He appeared in the 1968 James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, filmed in Estoril (see photo), which adds a very special touch to the experience. Sr. Diogo still works at the hotel. The visit will end at the Palácio's bar where, for €14, you will have a chance to order a "Vesper", the OO7 Martini Cocktail.
We will meet at 15.00 in front of the bust of Lucían Blaga near the pharmacy on Rua das Arcadas do Parque (see map). The visit is suitable for all: only light walking will be required. The price will be €20 pp.
In addition to giving tours of Lisbon and Estoril, Marisa Filipe is a PhD student at the ISCTE- Instituto Superior das Ciências do Trabalho e das Empresas. She is the author of The Azores and Espionage During World War II: The Risk to Portuguese Neutrality, which will appear in the Society's forthcoming newsletter. Marisa has just returned from a meeting in Cambridge attended by quite a few spies, so she is well-equipped to guide us on this complex topic.