Tour of the Alfama district, Lisbon

The Ancient District of Lisbon – Alfama

Alfama is perhaps the most distinctive district of Lisbon, a living history book where the past is intertwined with the present. Here you can still see traces of Roman and Arab civilizations dominating Lisbon’s past.

The name Alfama comes from the Arabic al-ham (warm spring). During the rule of the Moors, Lisbon was limited only to this area, then the city began to expand to the west (Baisha district).

We will visit the Se Cathedral, which is the greatest religious monument, reminiscent of a castle built on the site of an ancient mosque in the twelfth century, which mixes Romanesque and Gothic styles. We will visit the Church of St. Anthony, the patron saint of Lisbon, one of the most revered saints of the Catholic Church, as well as the Monastery of San Vicente de Fora, the Fortress of St. George and the National Pantheon. With each of these attractions are associated important events and stories, which you will surely learn on the tour.

It will be interesting to see the ancient hydraulic structure "Fountain of the King", which was built in the thirteenth century, during the reign of King Afonso III. The spring water flowed through pipelines to nine controlled taps. Each nose was exclusively for a particular social group.

But the main thing for which it is worth going to Alfama is a labyrinth of narrow streets that have preserved the Arab layout and architecture, sounds and smells, the soul of the old Moorish Lisbon, especially picturesque due to the fact that Alfama is located on a steep hillside, and in some places the streets suddenly turn into stairs, a considerable flavor gives the underwear, which according to ancient tradition is dried on the street. It feels like people here are very special, not like the rest of Lisbon.

Then we will find ourselves on observation decks and admire the stunning panorama overlooking the Tagus River and the city. One of them is Mirador da Graza, a small park with benches, shady trees and a cafe where we can sit, drink a cup of excellent Portuguese coffee.