Alfama

Alfama is an old, gentle, and humble fishing suburb in Lisbon. 

 this neighborhood holds the essence of the city. An area full of aromas and mixed emotions, where Fado the best-known genre of Portuguese music, very melancholic and often about the sea was created in the 1820s.

It is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, spreading downhill between the medieval former royal Castle of São Jorge and the Tagus river. Under Islamic rule, Alfama constituted the largest part of the city and was increasingly inhabited by fishermen and the poor. The reputation of being a poor area still lives on. The name Alfama derives from the Arabic al-ḥamma, which means "hot fountains" or "baths," akin to "hammam".

The great Lisbon earthquake of 1755, which had destroyed much of the capital, spared Alfama as a picturesque, compact labyrinth of narrow streets and small squares. 

The historic no. 28 tram, winding its way up through the district these days, has been a landmark of the city for many decades. On the slopes of Alfama there are several terraces (miradouros), such as Miradouro das Portas do Sol (Gates of the Sun), Miradouro da Graça, from where you can observe Lisbon in all its splendor, and Miradouro de Santa Luzia, presiding over the remains of the Moorish city walls.                   

For that reason, Alfama has a most traditional distinct village atmosphere with narrow lanes of residential houses and grocery stores. Early morning is the best time to catch a more traditional scene.

Walk leisurely downhill through Alfama's steep, narrow, cobblestoned streets and catch a glimpse of the more traditional side of Lisbon.

                                                            

Among the historic attractions found here there are numerous churches, including the prominent Lisbon Cathedral (aka Santa Maria Maior), the oldest in the city (dated 12th–14th cc); the Convent of the Grace (Convento da Graça, 18th century); the mannerist Monastery of São Vicente de Fora (late 16th–18th century), where the Kings of the House of Braganza are buried; and the baroque-style Santa Engrácia Church (17th century), presently converted into a National Pantheon for important Portuguese personalities.

 

Lately, the neighborhood has been invigorated with the renovation of the old, mixed-use houses which, among other residents, are occupied by restaurants where Fado music is played. For those keen on this typically Portuguese style of melancholy music, there is a dedicated Fado Museum.

 

Complete with an abundance of cute little shops and cafes, Alfama represents a lovely tourist destination, perfect for both a historical quest and a night out with dinner. Whether you're culturally motivated or simply looking for fun, take this self-guided walk to find the gems awaiting you in the oldest part of the Portuguese capital