 Welcome to the Voice of America's News Words. The Lisbon Earthquake Center in Portugal takes visitors back almost 300 years. Immersive. The center recreates the 1755 Lisbon earthquake that killed up to 40,000 people and almost destroyed the city. The immersive experience takes visitors inside the story of destruction and rebirth. Immersive describes the feeling of being surrounded and completely involved in an experience. Immersive can also describe activities that use most of one's time and attention.