All The Fame - Alfama In Lisbon, Come Take A Walk With Us
Walk through Alfama and you'll see that the stereotype is true - it seems like Fado is coming out of every single corner and every single street, when walking through it at the weekend during evening hours. We will be writing about Fado soon but today we're concentrating on the neighborhood itself.
Alfama is birthplace of the current Lisbon, that's where it all started. The name Alfama reveals its origin with AL at the beginning - that it was named by the Moorish who lived here from from A.D. 711 to 1249. Their influence is still visible almost everywhere in Old Lisbon but probably most prominent are the tiles you can see on many facades of the houses.
We started our walk right under the viewpoint of Portas do Sol, there you'll find a small tunnel which is the gate to Alfama. There you can learn all about Lisbon's history by reading the comic which is painted on the walls of the tunnel.
But now get rid of your map, it's time to get lost. The best way to explore Alfama. Pick a sunny day AND gp when there no a cruise ship anchored down at the port. Otherwise you'll never experience the true charm of this neighborhood. It took us couple of visits to finally fall in love with Alfama.
My favorite spot though in Aflama is probably the public laundry spot, where the neighbors can bring their dirty cloth to wash them or have them washed. Many of the houses in this neighbohood are so tiny, that they couldn't accommodate a washing machine. This woman in a the picture is a legend - she even has our portrait hanging outside of this place.
Feeling exhausted after getting lost in Alfama? There is only one cure for it. A shot of Ginjinha / Ginja inside one of the small bars, there you can have a little snack as well (hello Bifanha).
Curious about Alfama and would like to read more about this charming neighborhood? Take a look at our Lisbon Travel Blog.
Here are some more pictures:
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Yeaaa, Alfama is a very special place. So many narrow streets, old buildings... its like a completely different Lisbon.
I was there a few times but I never saw that Public Laundry place. So cool!
Funny thing is ... I tried to find it again but couldn't ha ha! That's Alfama!
The move the place to confuse the tourists :P
oh another lisbon post! You are making me miss it more and more :D
Really nice photography! I wouldn't mind trying some Ginjinha after a long walk touring Lisbon. @ironshield
Picturesque town, amazing shots :) Me gusta.
Wonderful architecture and atmosphere, love the narrow cobblestone roads too!
Hai friend nice pic
This neighborhood truly looks like the heart of Lisbon. I will focus on this part of the city more on my return to Lisbon :-)
But don't try to find a place to stay there - it seems pretty but I think it's a nightmare. Find a place in Graca, which we love. Still very central and you're surrounded by regular Lisbon life and Alfama is just down the hill!
It looks lovely! I will be in Lisbon in this June :) Lokking forward to it! I will try A shot of Ginjinha for sure :)
Hahha ... or two !!!