Rizal's travels in Europe

• Following the publication of Noli Me Tangere, Rizal traveled around Europe with Maximo Viola, funded by ₱1,000 from Paciano, sent via Juan Luna from Paris.

Dresden, Germany

• The visit to Dresden coincided with a floral exposition, where Rizal studied various plant species.
• Rizal and Viola visited Adolph Meyer and the Museum of Art, where Rizal was impressed by Prometheus Bound.
• They met Dr. Feodor Jagor, who advised them to inform Ferdinand Blumentritt of their arrival in Leitmeritz.

First Meeting with Blumentritt (Leitmeritz, Czechoslovakia)

• Rizal and Viola arrived in Leitmeritz (now Litoměřice, Czech Republic) from May 13-16, 1887.
• Ferdinand Blumentritt greeted them at the station with a pencil sketch of Rizal and welcomed him to Hotel Krebs.
• Blumentritt's family included his wife Rosa and their children Dolores, Conrad, and Fritz.
• Rizal impressed the Burgomaster and other Germans with his German fluency, which he learned in 11 months.
• Rizal delivered a speech in German praising Austria at a Tourist Club meeting.
• Rizal gave Blumentritt a portrait and met Dr. Carlos Czepelak and Professor Robert Klutschak.
• Rizal and Viola departed Leitmeritz by train on May 16, 1887.

Prague, Czech Republic

• Dr. Wilkomm, a professor at the University of Prague, welcomed Rizal and Viola.
• They toured the Tomb of Copernicus, the Museum of Natural History, a bacteriological laboratory, and San Juan Nepomuceno’s prison cave.

Vienna, Austria (May 20, 1887)

• Rizal admired Vienna's architecture, religious images, waltzes, and overall charm.
• He met Norfenfals, a notable European novelist, and they stayed at Hotel Metropole.
• He recovered his lost diamond stickpin while in Vienna.

Danubian Voyage (May 24, 1887)

• Rizal and Viola explored the Danube River by riverboat.
• Rizal observed barges carrying goods, families residing on boats, and settlements along the riverbanks.
• He noted the use of paper napkins instead of cloth.

Germany & Switzerland

• In Munich, Germany, Rizal viewed torture machines and the doll-making industry.
• Nuremberg, Germany, is noted as one of Germany's oldest cities.
• Ulm, Germany, features Germany’s largest and tallest cathedral.
• At Rheinfall, Switzerland, Rizal saw Europe’s most beautiful waterfall.
• He crossed the Swiss frontier to Schaffhausen, Switzerland from June 2-3, 1887.
• He visited Basel, Bern, and Lausanne.

Geneva, Switzerland

• Geneva is known for its polyglot citizens who speak French, German, and Italian.
• Rizal celebrated his birthday on June 19, 1887, by treating Viola.
• He stayed in Geneva for 15 days.
• Viola returned to Barcelona on June 23, 1887, as Rizal continued to Italy.

Rizal’s Protest Against the 1887 Madrid Exposition

• Rizal condemned the exhibition of Igorots in Madrid, viewing it as dehumanizing, and advocated for an industrial revolution instead.
• He wrote to Blumentritt expressing his opposition to the deplorable conditions saying “We want an industrial revolution, not an exhibition of human beings who are forced to live outdoors and die of nostalgia and disease.”

Rizal in Italy

• Rizal visited Turin, Milan, Venice, and Florence.
• He arrived in Rome on June 27, 1887, also known as The Eternal City or City of the Caesars.
• On June 29, 1887, the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, he visited Vatican City for the first time.
• He admired St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, and the Swiss Guards.
• After a week in Rome, he prepared to return to the Philippines.
• He stated, “I am tired as a dog, but I will sleep as a god.”