Rizal's Journey to Europe

Rizal's First Voyage to Europe

• Rizal's first voyage to Europe began on May 1, 1882.
• He left for Europe without his parents' knowledge at the urging of his brother and uncle Antonio.
•  His departure was motivated by a desire to pursue further education in a foreign land where he could express views restricted in the Philippines.
• On May 3, 1882, Rizal boarded the SS Salvadora for Singapore.
• On May 8, 1882, he arrived in Singapore and stayed at the Hotel de Paz.
• He transferred to the French steamer Djemnah to proceed to Europe.
• The steamer traveled to various locations including Point de Galle, Colombo, Aden, Port Said, Naples, and Marseilles before reaching Barcelona.
• The voyage was via the Suez Canal.
• The SS Salvadora brought Rizal from the Philippines to Singapore.
• The Djemnah transported Rizal further to Europe.

Arrival in Barcelona and Madrid

• Rizal arrived in Barcelona, Spain on June 16, 1882.

• He was initially unimpressed with the ugliness and dirtiness of the city and thought the inhabitants were inhospitable.

• However, he later appreciated Barcelona's free atmosphere and the warm nature of its people.

• Rizal relocated to Madrid, the Spanish capital, in the fall of 1882.

• He enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid in November 1882.

• He was a student of medicine, philosophy, and letters.

Rizal's Studies in Madrid

• During his studies, Rizal honed his fencing and shooting skills, and studied painting and sculpture.
• He also took classes in French, German, and English at the Academy of San Carlos.

Joining the Propaganda Movement

• In September 1882, in Madrid, Rizal met and joined a small Filipino-Spanish community called Circulo Hispano-Filipino.
• This group was founded by Juan Atayde
• Rizal contributed writings, poetry, and participated in meetings.
• Among the prominent figures in the community were Marcelo H. del Pilar and José Alejandro who worked with Rizal on his writings.

Rizal's European Activities

• Rizal collected used books on medicine, philosophy, languages, and geography.
•  He enjoyed literary works by authors such as Beecher Stowe.
• Rizal joined the Masonic Lodge Acacia and used the name Dimasalang for his Masonic identity.

Rizal's Activities in France and Germany

• Rizal eventually arrived in Paris in November 1885.
• He worked as an assistant to Dr. Louis de Weckertt.
• In February 1886, he traveled to Heidelberg.
• During his time there, he worked as an assistant to Dr. Otto Becker and continued his medical studies.

Rizal's completion of studies and other activities

• On his 24th birthday, June 21, 1884, Rizal was awarded a diploma.
• June 25, 1884, Rizal delivered a speech at a banquet held in honor of the Filipino painters Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo.
• He did not pay for all graduation fees and was not issued his medicine degree diploma.
• However, he completed his studies in philosophy and letters.

The Suez Canal

• The Suez Canal played a critical role in maritime trade and transportation at the end of the 19th century and connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas.
• Ferdinand de Lesseps was a key figure in its development.
• The shipping industry remained critical for economic growth.

The Spoliarium

• This painting depicts a holding area, the Spoliarium, in the Roman Colosseum where the corpses of fallen gladiators were brought.
• The painting has deeper symbolic meaning to Filipinos, as many scholars believe it represents Filipino sacrifices for their independence.

Catholic Church and Freemasonry

• The Roman Catholic Church voiced many critics of Freemasonry.
• The Church prohibited its members from being Freemasons since 1738.