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Lovely place to stop with the kiosk bar placed so correctly for people to sit and enjoy the gorgeous view. If you are buying a pastel de nata on your walk up, do remember the shops closed dead on 1pm even if you have your money in your hand the door will close!
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Date of experience: December 2020
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The romantic name Alfama comes from the Arabic al-Hama ("warm spring"). This had a direct meaning, not a metaphorical one - the Arabs built numerous baths here. After the expulsion of the Moors, the borders of Lisbon were limited to Alfama for a long time. However, there was not enough land and the prosperous aristocracy began to move from the resettled Alfama further down, leaving the area for the poor. A few centuries later, this played a cruel joke on the descendants of the settlers. The great earthquake of 1755, which destroyed Lisbon in places to the ground, affected only a few Alfama. The area was saved by rocks on which the Phoenicians began to build. The energetic Marquis of Pombal did not even repair what had been damaged, leaving the poor to their own devices. This made Alfama the most authentic area of Lisbon. You don't have to go on the Alfama, you have to walk on It. Streets and alleys turn into staircases, which turn back into streets winding down the slopes. Lazy cats, Laundry on the balconies, the smell of fish and the wind from the sea that blows the heat from the streets of Alfama in summer. Romance...…
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Date of experience: January 2020
2 Helpful votes
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Walked around here, beautiful buildings but walk up was all uphill, different avenues to explore here
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Date of experience: September 2020
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In February despite cooler weather, the place was buzzing. There are great sights – churches like Santa Luzia, Our Lady of the Conception and Mary Magdalene; museums like Ricardo do Espirito Santo Silva and the prison museum Aljube Resistencia e Liberdade. Close by but on the hill sits the imposing Sao Jorge Castle, an imperious lookout. The architecture harkens to a bygone era of Visigoths, Moors and Christian crusaders. With it comes the outdoor markets, hawkers, unique restaurants and an old-world charm. I was glad I visited even if it was very short. (Pre Covid-19 Experience)…
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Date of experience: February 2020
1 Helpful vote
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Not to be missed in Lisbon, the Alfama district. Beautiful buildings, amazing history and Fado music all over the place.
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Date of experience: October 2020
1 Helpful vote
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