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Alfama

Alfama is Lisbon's oldest and most traditional neighborhood, a historic district characterized by its labyrinthine network of narrow, steep cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses adorned with colorful tiles, and a preserved medieval layout that evokes the city's ancient roots.^[1] It is also one of Lisbon's 24 civil parishes (freguesias). Its name derives from the Arabic "al-ḥamma," meaning "baths" or "hot springs," reflecting the thermal waters that once flowed abundantly in the area during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula from the 8th to 12th centuries.^[2] Largely spared from the destruction of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake due to its position on solid bedrock, Alfama remains one of the few areas retaining its pre-earthquake urban fabric, including remnants of Roman, Visigothic, and Moorish influences.^[3] The neighborhood's history traces back over two millennia, with evidence of Phoenician, Roman, and later Islamic settlements shaping its development as a bustling portside community near the Tagus River.^[1] Key landmarks include the Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral), constructed in 1147 shortly after the Christian reconquest from Muslim rule, which incorporates Romanesque architecture and houses archaeological ruins from earlier eras.^[1] Overlooking Alfama is the Castelo de São Jorge, a hilltop fortress with origins dating to Roman fortifications in the 1st century BCE and later fortified by Moors, now offering panoramic views of the city and serving as a symbol of Lisbon's layered past.^[4] The area's survival of the 1755 disaster, which devastated much of Lisbon with an estimated magnitude of 8.5–9.0, allowed it to maintain its organic, village-like atmosphere amid the city's more uniform post-earthquake reconstruction elsewhere.^[3] Alfama holds profound cultural significance as the cradle of fado, Portugal's iconic genre of melancholic music that emerged in the early 19th century among working-class communities in Lisbon's historic quarters, including Alfama, where it was performed in taverns and streets as an expression of saudade—a deep longing or nostalgic melancholy.^[5] This intangible cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO in 2011, continues to thrive in the neighborhood's fado houses, blending traditional Portuguese guitar with soulful vocals to capture the essence of Lisbon's seafaring and resilient spirit.^[5] Today, Alfama attracts visitors with its vibrant festivals, such as the Santo António celebrations in June, and viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Luzia, framed by azulejo-tiled walls depicting historic scenes, offering a window into the district's enduring charm and authenticity.^[6]^[1]

Geography

Location and Boundaries

Alfama is situated in the southeastern part of Lisbon, Portugal, encompassing a historic neighborhood that extends across hilly terrain overlooking the Tagus River. It is bounded to the west by the São Jorge Castle, to the south by the Tagus River, to the north by the Mouraria neighborhood, and to the east by areas transitioning into São Vicente. This positioning places Alfama at the eastern edge of Lisbon's historic center, adjacent to the Baixa district, which lies further west across the castle hill.^[7] Administratively, Alfama spans parts of the parishes (freguesias) of Santa Maria Maior and São Vicente, reflecting its integration into Lisbon's broader municipal structure. Prior to the 2012 administrative reorganization under Lei n.º 56/2012, the area included smaller parishes such as São Miguel and Santo Estêvão, which were merged into the larger Santa Maria Maior parish, while portions extended into what became São Vicente. São Miguel, historically central to Alfama's core, was one of the 12 former parishes consolidated into Santa Maria Maior, which now covers much of the neighborhood's lower sections near the river. This merger aimed to rationalize Lisbon's territorial organization, reducing the number of parishes from 53 to 24.^[8]^[9]^[10] Alfama's proximity to key transport links enhances its accessibility, particularly as a gateway from the riverfront. The Santa Apolónia railway station, Lisbon's oldest and primary international train terminus, is located at the neighborhood's southeastern edge along the Tagus waterfront, facilitating connections to northern Portugal and beyond. This strategic position not only supports commuter and tourist traffic but also underscores Alfama's role as an entry point to the city's historic districts from the river approach.^[11]

Urban Layout and Topography

Alfama's urban layout is characterized by a dense network of narrow, winding cobblestone streets that form a labyrinthine pattern, rising steeply from the banks of the Tagus River. This hilly topography, one of Lisbon's seven iconic hills, creates a challenging yet enchanting terrain, with elevations climbing from sea level to approximately 110 meters near the São Jorge Castle. The area's natural springs, historically significant to its development, contribute to the moist, verdant microclimate amid the slopes.^[12]^[1] The streets, known locally as becos (narrow blind alleys), escadinhas (steep staircases), and largos (small open squares), were largely shaped during the Moorish period for defensive purposes, allowing residents to monitor and restrict access while providing natural shade and ventilation to mitigate the Mediterranean heat. These features promote airflow through the compact urban fabric, keeping interiors cooler in summer, and their irregular, pedestrian-only design enhances the defensive quality inherited from medieval fortifications. The high density of this layout— with buildings often abutting one another—necessitates careful navigation on foot, where steep inclines and sudden turns demand local knowledge for efficient daily movement, fostering a sense of intimate community amid the congestion.^[13]^[14] Architecturally, Alfama blends medieval remnants, such as remnants of 12th-century walls and Gothic doorways, with later additions like vibrant azulejos—traditional Portuguese glazed tiles in blue, white, and multicolored patterns adorning facades for both aesthetic and protective purposes. Laundry often drapes across these alleys, adding to the lived-in, picturesque density that defines the neighborhood's organic evolution. Remarkably, much of this pre-modern layout survived the 1755 Lisbon earthquake relatively intact due to the flexible, low-rise construction on the uneven terrain.^[15]^[16]^[12]

Origins and Etymology

Etymology

The name Alfama derives from the Arabic term al-ḥamma (الحَمّة), meaning "hot springs" or "baths," directly referencing the natural thermal springs that characterized the district during the Moorish occupation beginning in the 8th century.^[17] These springs, with temperatures often exceeding 20°C, were utilized for therapeutic purposes and public bathing facilities known as alcaçarias, highlighting the cultural and practical significance of water sources in the Islamic urban layout.^[17] The toponym reflects the Arabic linguistic influence introduced during the 8th-century Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula.^[17] The name persisted after the Christian reconquest of Lisbon in 1147, retaining its core form as Alfama.^[17] This underscores the enduring Arabic imprint on the district's identity, even as the springs' role diminished over time due to urban development and their sealing in the late 1970s.^[17]^[18]

Early Settlement

The earliest evidence of human settlement in the Alfama district of Lisbon dates to the late 8th and early 7th centuries BCE, when Phoenician traders established a presence on the hill of Castelo de São Jorge, drawn by the strategic advantages of the Tagus estuary as a natural harbor for maritime commerce. Archaeological excavations at the site have uncovered orientalizing materials, including red-slip ware ceramics, amphorae of the Ramon Torres type, and a Phoenician inscription on a local amphora fragment, indicating intense trade networks focused on exploiting regional metallic resources like gold and tin.^[19]^[20] This settlement marked a relocation of earlier Bronze Age habitats to the elevated terrain, transforming the area into a key western outpost for Phoenician activities in the Iberian Peninsula.^[21] Subsequent Carthaginian influence, building on Phoenician foundations, reinforced Alfama's role as a trading port during the 6th to 3rd centuries BCE, with evidence of Punic artifacts and merchant visits to the estuary for precious metals procurement. Recent excavations, such as those revealing Phoenician-Carthaginian layers, underscore the continuity of this commercial hub amid shifting Mediterranean powers.^[22] Roman expansion integrated Alfama into the broader settlement of Olissipo in the 1st century CE, following the city's formal incorporation into the empire around 205 BCE, with developments supporting urban infrastructure around the area's natural hot and cold springs, which were utilized for bathing and supply.^[23] By the 5th century CE, the decline of Roman authority led to a transition under Visigothic rule, which persisted through the 8th century and maintained Olissipo's fortified structure on the Alfama hill without major disruptions until the arrival of new conquerors. Archaeological traces reflect this era's relative stability and Christian influences amid the Germanic kingdom's consolidation in Hispania.^[24]

History

Moorish and Medieval Periods

The Moorish occupation of Lisbon began in 711 CE, when forces from North Africa under Tariq ibn Ziyad conquered the Iberian Peninsula, incorporating the city into the Umayyad Caliphate.^[25] Alfama emerged as a key fortified quarter during this era, deriving its name from the Arabic al-ḥammāʾ (hot baths), reflecting the presence of abundant natural springs and public hammams integrated into the urban fabric.^[25] Defensive walls, constructed to protect against invasions, snaked through the neighborhood down to the Tagus River, with remnants embedded in later structures and the narrow, steep streets designed to impede enemy advances.^[25] In 1147, Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, led the reconquest of Lisbon in a four-month siege supported by Northern European crusaders, marking a pivotal moment in the Reconquista.^[25] The castle was surrendered by treaty, though widespread violence followed despite assurances of safe passage for Muslim residents, leading to significant depopulation.^[25] Christian repopulation ensued rapidly, with the establishment of the Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral) in the same year on the site of a former mosque; construction of this Romanesque structure, overseen by Mestre Roberto and later Bishop Gilberto de Hastings, symbolized the Christian reclamation and reorganization of the diocese.^[26] During the medieval period, Alfama evolved into a vibrant multicultural hub, sustaining communities of fishermen, sailors, and merchants drawn to its riverside location as Lisbon's primary port district.^[27] Jewish and Moorish populations persisted and contributed to the area's early architecture, with the establishment of a judiaria da Alfama (Jewish quarter) by the 14th century featuring synagogues that echoed Moorish designs, such as pulpits reminiscent of those in mosques. King Afonso I further supported this diversity by granting a foral dos mouros charter in 1170, affording legal protections to free Muslim residents and enabling their roles in crafts and commerce alongside Jewish merchants prominent in trade. This coexistence, though later strained by segregation laws from 1361 onward, fostered a layered urban landscape where Moorish walls and communal bathhouses blended with emerging Christian and Jewish institutions.

Post-1755 Earthquake Era

The 1755 Lisbon earthquake inflicted far less damage on Alfama than on the adjacent Baixa district, primarily due to the neighborhood's dense arrangement of low-rise, closely packed buildings that absorbed seismic shocks more effectively than the taller, more spaced-out structures elsewhere.^[28]^[29] This relative sparing allowed working-class residents, including fishermen and laborers, to repopulate the area rapidly, restoring daily life without the prolonged displacement seen in heavily devastated zones.^[30] Several medieval landmarks, such as the Sé Cathedral, endured with minimal harm, preserving Alfama's historic core amid the broader city's ruin. By the 19th century, Alfama had firmly established itself as a humble fishing enclave, characterized by its proximity to the Tagus River and inhabited predominantly by maritime workers and their families.^[27] Social upheavals during this era, including economic hardships and urban poverty, fostered tight-knit communities in the neighborhood.^[5] The 1833–1834 phase of the Portuguese Civil War, marked by liberal-miguelist conflicts and sieges in Lisbon, compounded the strains on Alfama's tight-knit populace, while concurrent cholera epidemics ravaged the city's overcrowded slums.^[31] These crises, which exacerbated poor sanitation and high mortality in working-class districts like Alfama, ultimately bolstered the area's communal bonds without prompting sweeping modern reconstructions, unlike interventions in other parts of Lisbon.^[32]

Modern Developments

In the mid-20th century, following World War II, Alfama experienced a growing influx of tourism, drawn by its preserved medieval architecture and cultural heritage, including fado performances that were promoted to attract international visitors.^[33] This period marked a shift from post-war neglect to increased attention, amid broader economic recovery in Portugal. By the 1970s and 1980s, during the democratic transition after the 1974 Carnation Revolution, restoration projects aimed to preserve Alfama's historic fabric. The Lisbon City Council's Programme for Urban Rehabilitation, initiated in the 1980s, along with the RECRIA initiative from 1988, funded rehabilitation works on rented properties and infrastructure, addressing degradation such as poor housing amenities affecting over half of homes.^[34]^[35] The 2012 administrative reform merged several historic parishes—including those encompassing parts of Alfama, such as Madalena and Santiago—into the larger Santa Maria Maior freguesia, reducing Lisbon's local administrative units from 53 to 24.^[36] This consolidation streamlined governance but diminished hyper-local decision-making, impacting urban planning by centralizing control over heritage preservation and development approvals in a district now covering Alfama, Baixa, and Castelo.^[37] In 2025, Portugal enacted a partial reversal of some Troika-era mergers, reinstating 302 parishes nationwide following local elections, though central Lisbon's Santa Maria Maior remained intact as of November 2025.^[38] In recent decades, Alfama has faced intensifying gentrification and overtourism, with property prices in Lisbon's central historic districts rising over 200% between 2014 and 2024, driven by foreign investment and short-term rentals.^[39] By 2019, approximately 35% of Alfama's properties were converted to tourist accommodations, contributing to a 21% population decline from 2001 to 2011; the trend continued, with Lisbon's historic center losing another 19% of residents from 2011 to 2021 per the census.^[40]^[41] These pressures have led to community grievances over noise, loss of authenticity, and housing unaffordability, balanced by preservation efforts such as ongoing urban regeneration policies and the 2004 inclusion of adjacent Pombaline areas on UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List, which supports broader historic center conservation initiatives.^[42] Fado venues continue to thrive, reinforcing cultural continuity amid these changes.^[43]

Culture and Traditions

Fado Music

Fado emerged in the early 19th century within the working-class neighborhoods of Lisbon, including Alfama, where it was sung by sailors, dockworkers, and fishwives as an expression of daily hardships and emotions.^[5] This genre is characterized by melancholic melodies accompanied by the Portuguese guitar and viola, often exploring themes of saudade—a profound sense of longing, fate, and nostalgia rooted in the lives of these communities.^[44] Alfama, with its proximity to the Tagus River and maritime heritage, served as a key cradle for these spontaneous performances, reflecting the district's role as a hub for port-related laborers.^[45] A pivotal figure in fado's early history was Maria Severa Onofriana (1820–1846), a singer from Lisbon's Mouraria district whose passionate performances helped popularize the music among broader audiences in the mid-19th century, influencing its spread to nearby Alfama.^[45] In the 20th century, Amália Rodrigues (1920–1999), born in the Pena district of Lisbon, on Rua de Martim Vaz, elevated fado to international prominence through her emotive interpretations and innovative arrangements, embodying the genre's evolution while preserving its traditional essence.^[46] Traditional fado vadio, the impromptu street style where singers performed without formal structure, was notably performed in Alfama's taverns and alleys, capturing the raw, unscripted spirit of the neighborhood's culture.^[5] By the 20th century, fado transitioned from informal gatherings to formalized venues known as casas de fado, which proliferated in Lisbon's historic districts like Alfama starting in the 1930s, professionalizing performances while maintaining acoustic traditions.^[45] This development solidified fado's status as a cornerstone of Portuguese identity, culminating in its inscription by UNESCO in 2011 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, acknowledging its multicultural origins and enduring role in communities such as Alfama.^[44]

Festivals and Community Life

Alfama's festivals are vibrant expressions of its deep-rooted Catholic traditions, particularly during the Santos Populares celebrations in June, which honor the neighborhood's patron saints and foster communal bonds. The Santo António Festival, held on June 12 and 13, centers on Saint Anthony, Lisbon's protector and matchmaker, with residents and visitors gathering in Alfama's narrow squares for sardine barbecues grilled over open flames, colorful parades featuring traditional attire and floats, and lively street parties that spill into the night with music and dancing.^[47] These events, organized by local parishes and community groups, emphasize shared meals and processions that trace the saint's historical ties to the area, drawing thousands to reinforce neighborhood solidarity.^[48] Complementing this is the Arraial de São João, another key June event in Alfama's Largo de Santo Estêvão, integrated into the broader Festas de Lisboa program, where neighbors participate in traditional games such as folk dances and contests, culminating in spectacular fireworks displays over the Tagus River.^[49] The festivities include playful rituals like gentle hammer-tapping among friends and strangers—a lighthearted custom symbolizing good fortune—alongside communal grilling of sardines and wine served in clay jars, all aimed at fundraising for local parish initiatives.^[50] Fado performances occasionally punctuate these gatherings, adding an emotional layer to the celebrations.^[49] Beyond festivals, Alfama's community life embodies a "village within the city" ethos, characterized by strong familial ties and intergenerational living that preserve a sense of rootedness amid urban pressures.^[51] Residents maintain close-knit networks through daily interactions in local markets like the Feira da Ladra, held Tuesdays and Saturdays near the riverfront in Campo de Santa Clara, where vendors sell antiques, fresh produce, and handmade goods, serving as hubs for barter and conversation.^[52] This atmosphere nurtures oral storytelling traditions, passed down in courtyards and taverns, recounting neighborhood lore and histories, while mutual aid practices—such as neighbors assisting with childcare or home repairs—underscore the area's resilient social fabric.^[51]

Landmarks

Religious Sites

Alfama, Lisbon's oldest district, is home to several significant religious sites that reflect the area's deep Christian heritage following the 12th-century reconquest from Moorish rule. These structures, blending Romanesque, Gothic, Mannerist, and Baroque elements, serve as spiritual centers and repositories of historical artifacts, underscoring their enduring role in Portuguese religious and cultural life.^[26] The Lisbon Cathedral, known as Sé de Lisboa, stands as the district's most prominent religious landmark, founded in 1147 by King Afonso Henriques immediately after the Christian reconquest of Lisbon. Constructed in the Romanesque style with a Latin cross plan, three naves, a triforium, transept, and tripartite apse, it exemplifies early medieval architecture adapted to the site's strategic importance. Its Gothic cloister, built between 1261 and 1325 under King Dinis, features unique ribbed vaults and serves as a serene enclosure, while the apse's deambulatory—added from 1325 to 1357 under King Afonso IV—represents the only such Gothic feature in a Portuguese cathedral. The cathedral houses the relics of Saint Vincent, Lisbon's patron saint, which according to legend arrived in Lisbon by boat in 1173 guarded by two crows, symbolizing the city's maritime and spiritual identity.^[26]^[26]^[26]^[26]^[53] Severely damaged in the 1755 earthquake, with the chancel and south tower collapsing, it was rebuilt between 1761 and 1785, retaining its core Romanesque facade.^[26] The Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, dedicated to Saint Vincent, originated from a Romanesque church vowed by King Afonso Henriques during the 1147 siege of Lisbon but was comprehensively rebuilt in the late 16th century under Philip II of Spain (Philip I of Portugal) in the Mannerist style. This architectural complex emphasizes simplicity, symmetry, and balance, with stone-lined interiors and marble decorations that mark a transition from Renaissance to Baroque influences in Portugal. It holds profound spiritual significance as the seat of the Patriarchate of Lisbon since 1837 and contains the royal pantheon of the Braganza dynasty, including tombs of kings like João IV and Pedro II, linking it directly to Portugal's monarchical history. The monastery's cloisters are renowned for their intricate 17th- and 18th-century tilework, featuring over 100,000 baroque azulejos depicting biblical scenes, fables, and daily life, preserved in their original locations and representing one of the world's largest such collections in a religious setting.^[54]^[54]^[54]^[54]^[55] The Church of Santa Engrácia, now the National Pantheon, exemplifies Portuguese Baroque architecture and was initiated around 1570 under Infanta Maria but substantially redesigned from 1682 by architect João Antunes as a centralized Greek-cross plan with undulating walls, turrets, and Italian-inspired grandeur unusual for the Iberian Peninsula. Construction proceeded intermittently, with a wooden roof added in 1757, but the iconic central dome remained unfinished until the 1960s, when it was completed in 1966 under João Vaz Martins, providing panoramic views over Lisbon and the Tagus River. It transitioned from a church to the National Pantheon by decree in 1916, honoring illustrious Portuguese figures through tombs and cenotaphs; notable interments include explorer Vasco da Gama in the transept and poet Luís de Camões in the nave, alongside later additions like fado singer Amália Rodrigues. Its spiritual legacy endures as a site of national remembrance, blending religious devotion with civic veneration.^[56]^[56]^[56]^[56]^[56]

Secular Monuments

The Castelo de São Jorge, perched atop Lisbon's highest hill at approximately 114 meters above sea level, originated as a Moorish fortress constructed in the 11th century during the Islamic period, with significant fortifications dating to the 10th century under the Umayyad rulers.^[57] Following its capture by Portuguese forces in 1147 under King Afonso Henriques, the structure evolved into a medieval citadel featuring a quadrangular layout with robust walls, 11 towers—including albarrana towers connected by stone bridges for enhanced defensive angles—and a barbican moat system added in the 13th century.^[58] The site's archaeological center reveals layered exhibits spanning from Iron Age settlements (around the 8th century BCE, including Phoenician influences) through Roman and Visigothic periods, underscoring Alfama's role as a strategic defensive hub overlooking the Tagus River.^[57] Remnants of the former royal palace, known as the Paço da Alcáçova, are integrated within the castle's enclosures, with construction initiated around 1300 under King Dinis I to create regal apartments and expand residential quarters.^[59] By the 15th century, under kings such as Afonso V and Manuel I, medieval expansions incorporated defensive features like reinforced towers and gateways, blending palatial living with military utility; the Palace Tower, measuring 7.6 by 10 meters, served as a key linkage point.^[58] Much of the palace was devastated by the 1755 earthquake, leaving only fragmented walls and rebuilt elements like the Casa Ogival, which now hosts interpretive displays on its administrative and residential history without ecclesiastical ties.^[60] The 18th-century Arsenal do Exército, now housing the National Military Museum, stands along the Tagus River in Alfama's Largo do Museu de Artilharia, originally built on the grounds of a 16th-century shipyard established during King Manuel I's reign (1495–1521) to support Portugal's maritime expansions.^[61] A dedicated artillery foundry was added under King João III in the mid-16th century, evolving into a royal arsenal by the 18th century for cannon production and naval armaments, reflecting Alfama's integral role in Lisbon's seafaring economy during the Age of Discoveries.^[62] The Baroque-style building, with its military-themed ceiling paintings depicting battles from the Reconquista to the 19th century, preserves non-religious artifacts such as artillery pieces and weaponry, emphasizing Portugal's naval heritage without overlapping with sacred sites.^[63]

Viewpoints and Public Spaces

Alfama's viewpoints and public spaces serve as vital elevated lookouts and communal gathering areas, enhancing the district's scenic allure and fostering social interactions amid its historic labyrinthine streets. These sites integrate seamlessly with the neighborhood's steep, winding topography, providing panoramic vistas that highlight Lisbon's layered urban fabric.^[64] The Miradouro de Santa Luzia, a landscaped terrace adjacent to the 18th-century Baroque Church of Santa Luzia, offers sweeping views across the Tagus River, encompassing the domes of the National Pantheon and the spires of Santo Estêvão and São Miguel churches. Its defining features include two large azulejo panels on the church's exterior walls, crafted by artist António Quaresma in the 20th century to depict historic Lisbon scenes: the pre-1755 earthquake Praça do Comércio and the 1147 Christian siege of São Jorge Castle during the city's reconquest from Moorish rule. Framed by bougainvillea and a serene garden with a pond, the viewpoint includes a café that encourages lingering, making it a romantic spot for visitors to appreciate Alfama's red-tiled rooftops and riverside expanse.^[64]^[65]^[66] Adjacent to this, the Miradouro das Portas do Sol functions as an expansive open-air balcony overlooking Alfama's colorful rooftops, the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, and the Tagus River, capturing the neighborhood's medieval essence in postcard-like panoramas. Named for its historical role as the "Gates of the Sun" from the Islamic era, when it marked an entrance to the city with natural springs nearby, the site draws crowds for its unobstructed vistas, particularly at sunset when the light bathes the river in golden hues. Equipped with a kiosk serving light meals and drinks, it attracts gatherings of locals and tourists, often serving as a starting point for walking tours through the district.^[67]^[68] The Largo das Portas do Sol, encompassing the miradouro, exemplifies Alfama's small public squares as vibrant social hubs integral to daily community life. This open plaza, accessible via trams 12 and 28, hosts informal markets and street performances by musicians and artists, where residents and visitors mingle amid the backdrop of the Tagus. Similarly, nearby praças like Largo do Chafariz de Dentro provide intimate spaces for casual interactions, seasonal events, and local vendors, reinforcing the neighborhood's tradition of communal vitality without the formality of larger urban squares.^[68]^[69]

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[PDF] 1 The Effects of Cultural Heritage on Residential Property Values
At the administrative reorganization of Lisbon on December 8, 2012 this parish was amalgamated with others to become part of the parish Santa Maria Maior.<|control11|><|separator|>
[35]
[PDF] Untitled - Webthesis
In the parishes of Santa Maria Maior and Misericórdia. (neighbourhoods of Alfama, Baixa, Bairro Alto, Bica, Castelo, Chiado), at least. 15 to 16% of all ...
[36]
Portugal Reverses Troika-Era Parish Mergers - Real Estate Lisbon
Oct 9, 2025 · The 2013 reform reduced the number of parishes in mainland Portugal by 1,168, from 4,259 to 3,091. The reversal, which will increase the total ...
[37]
How Lisbon put itself on the map for real estate and tourism
Jun 25, 2025 · Between 2014 and 2024, house prices in the city rose by 176%, and by more than 200% in its central historic districts.
[38]
Perceptions about Tourism and Tourists in Historic Neighborhoods: The Case of Alfama
### Summary of Perceptions of Tourism in Alfama
[39]
Pombaline Lisbon - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
The exceptional nature of the Lisboa Pombalina as an outstanding example of a 'technological ensemble' which illustrates a significant stage in human history.
[40]
Portraying Urban Change in Alfama (Lisbon): How Local Socio-Spatial Practices Shape Heritage | Article | Urban Planning
### Summary of Modern Urban Changes in Alfama (Lisbon)
[41]
Fado, urban popular song of Portugal - UNESCO Intangible Cultural ...
It represents a Portuguese multicultural synthesis of Afro-Brazilian sung dances, local traditional genres of song and dance, musical traditions from rural ...
[42]
Fado Route | Visit Lisboa
Fundamental to fado, the Portuguese guitar was once called the guitarra mourisca, or \"Moorish guitar\", because it resembled the lute introduced into the ...<|separator|>
[43]
Amália Rodrigues - Museu do Fado
Her full name was Amália da Piedade Rodrigues. Amália Rodrigues was born in Lisbon by mere chance, as her parents Lucinda da Piedade Rebordão and Albertino ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[44]
Popular Saints' Festivals | www.visitportugal.com
The main ones are the Festas de Lisboa, on 12 and 13 June, St. Anthony's day, and in Porto on the night of 23/24 June when St. John is celebrated. These are ...
[45]
Santo António Festival in Lisbon: History, Parades & Street Parties
Jun 2, 2025 · Celebrate Lisbon's Festas de Santo António with parades, weddings, grilled sardines, and live music in Alfama, Bica, Mouraria, Graça, ...Missing: barbecues | Show results with:barbecues
[46]
Arraial de São João em Alfama - RTP Arquivos
Reportagem sobre o arraial de São João, integrado no programa das Festas de Lisboa e realizado no Largo de Santo Estêvão em Alfama a favor da Assistência da ...Missing: Lisbon | Show results with:Lisbon
[47]
Santos Populares in Portugal - your guide to June's best street parties
Santos Populares are among the most vibrant, fun-filled, and traditional festivals in Portugal. Taking place throughout June, these street parties honour ...
[48]
(PDF) Portraying Urban Change in Alfama (Lisbon) - ResearchGate
Alfama, a neighborhood whose history dates to Lisbon's origins, held simultaneously the power and burden of representing the “old Lisbon.” It is recognized ...
[49]
Feira da Ladra, Lisbon - the flea market of the Alfama district
Discover Feira da Ladra, Lisbon's oldest flea market. Hunt for antiques, vintage treasures and collectibles every Tuesday and Saturday in Alfama district.
[50]
Church and Convent of São Vicente de Fora - Visit Lisboa
A visit to São Vicente de Fora is a must during your stay in Lisbon. Besides having one of the most important churches in the city, the artworks inside are ...
[51]
Cloisters - Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora
The Monastery of São Vicente de Fora is one of the monuments in the world, with the most baroque glazed tiles in their original place. The collections include ...
[52]
THE HISTORY - Panteão Nacional.
The Advisory Committee for the Installation of the National Pantheon in Santa Engrácia decided to place six cenotaphs, three at each end of the transept, to ...
[53]
Origins and Development - Castelo de São Jorge
The oldest references to a castle within the walled perimeter of the kasbah date back to the time of D. Afonso III, the monarch who introduced the principles ...Missing: Alfama | Show results with:Alfama
[54]
The Castelo de São Jorge
It was here that the medieval castle we know today was erected in the period following the reconquest of Lisbon. We do not know, however, what the fortification ...
[55]
Solar do Castelo - Historic Hotels of America
1300: King Dinis I ordered the creation of a series of regal apartments known as the “Real Alcáçova de São Jorge.” The Real Alcáçova de São Jorge would ...
[56]
São Jorge Castle Lisbon | Stunning Views & Rich History
It was originally built by the Moors in the 10th century before being conquered by the Portuguese in 1147 during the reign of King Afonso I. The castle has been ...
[57]
Museu Militar - Frommers
Rating 1/3 · Review by Frommer's StaffIt's on the site of a shipyard built during the reign of Manuel I (1495-1521). During the reign of João III, a new foundry for artillery was erected; it was ...
[58]
Artillery in Portugal: Lisbon, Museu Militar de Lisboa (Portuguese ...
The aim of this website is to locate, identify and document every historical piece of artillery preserved in Portugal.
[59]
National Military Museum | Visit Lisboa
It has large collection of artillery and war-related pieces, among others an extensive display of guns, pistols and swords.
[60]
Miradouro de Santa Luzia - Visit Lisboa
Discover an amazing viewing point that is a sight in itself. As popular for its view as it is for its unique decorative tiles, this is a place not to be missed.
[61]
Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Lisbon - A View On Cities
Situated on a hilltop in the city's old downtown area, the miradouro offers beautiful panoramic views over Alfama and the Tagus river.
[62]
Miradouro de Santa Luzia - Go Lisbon
This romantic terrace by the church of Santa Luzia introduces visitors to Alfama with a sweeping view over its houses, churches, and the Tagus River.Views Of The River And... · Attractions Nearby · Apartments
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Miradouro das Portas do Sol Viewpoint, Lisbon - 2025 Guide
This viewpoint is essentially one huge balcony above the ancient Alfama neighborhood. Its panoramic view has illustrated countless postcards, showing what ...
[64]
Portas do Sol: Scenic Views and History in Lisbon
Miradouro das Portas do Sol is one of Lisbon's most beloved viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas that capture the essence of this vibrant city.
[65]
Alfama – Explore the Lisbon's Oldest and Most Historic District
Mar 4, 2025 · It is known for its narrow streets, historic houses, and deep cultural roots. Unlike other parts of the city, Alfama withstood the 1755 ...Missing: cooling | Show results with:cooling