ALFAMA

Description

Essentials about the Alfama in brief

A stroll through the picturesque historic Alfama district in the heart of Lisbon is one of the must-do items on a visit to the Portuguese capital. The maze of narrow cobbled streets that wind from the banks of the Tagus River up to the castle hill of São Jorge Castle still has an incomparable flair today. In addition, many of Lisbon’s top sights are located in Alfama. And last but not least, from many points in Alfama you can enjoy breathtaking views of central Lisbon and the Tagus River.

The name “Alfama”

The name “Alfama” probably comes from the Arabic “Al-hamma”, which roughly means “springs” or “baths”. Probably the origin of the name is related to the hot water springs located at the foot of the hill in the past.

The history of the Alfama

At the time of Moorish rule over Portugal, Alfama represented Lisbon’s urban core, which only gradually expanded westward into what is now Baixa (meaning “lower city”). Lisbon’s richer population strata followed the city’s development to the west, leaving behind in Alfama primarily poorer groups such as fishermen, sailors and dockworkers. For a long period of time, Alfama therefore had the image of a tough and underprivileged area.

However, during the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755, which devastated large parts of Portugal’s capital, the neighborhood had luck on its side. The buildings of Alfama survived the quake virtually unscathed, which is why the narrow maze of streets and alleys remains Lisbon’s most original and best-preserved historic structure to this day.

Over time, however, the neighborhood increasingly deteriorated. It was not until the end of the Portuguese dictatorship in the mid-1970s that large-scale house renovations were undertaken. Today, Alfama is one of Lisbon’s most popular tourist districts, not only because of its historic buildings, but also because of its countless restaurants and bars.

The sights of the Alfama

Alfama is home to some of Lisbon’s most important sights. Visible from afar, the mighty São Jorge Castle towers over Alfama, where the Portuguese king resided until the 16th century. Alfama is also home to the Lisbon Cathedral, the seat of the Lisbon Patriarchate and Lisbon’s oldest church, dating from the 12th century. Also located in the district are the imposing late 16th-century Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, where the kings of the House of Braganza are buried, and the 17th-century Igreja de Santa Engrácia, which now serves as the national pantheon (pt. “Panteão Nacional”) for the most famous Portuguese.

Various points in Alfama offer picturesque views – called miradouros – of the Tagus River and other Lisbon neighborhoods. Probably the most famous viewpoint in Alfama is the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, from which you have a dreamlike view over the tiled roofs of Alfama and the Tagus.

Discovering the Alfama on foot and by tram

Because of its steep climbs and narrow streets, the public transportation network in Alfama is very limited. There is no subway station and only one bus and two streetcar lines. And that’s a good thing, because the best way to get to know the charm of Alfama is to walk through its historic streets. The best way to get to know Alfama is to walk through the historic streets without a plan or a destination – just leave the map in your pants pocket or handbag. This way, you can fully concentrate on the authentic flair of Alfama, which is still present despite the masses of tourists that pass through the alleys every day.

For those who are not so good on foot, a ride on tram line 28 is a good alternative. The streetcar line, which is especially popular with tourists, winds its way through the narrow streets and over the steep hills of Alfama on its journey. You don’t see quite as much of the neighborhood as you would on a walk, but the streetcar ride is definitely easier on your physical condition. Since modern streetcars are rather unsuitable for the winding route with its constant ups and downs, the bright yellow streetcar cars dating from the 1930s still run on the route.