Alfama

View of Alfama from Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Alfama (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɐɫˈfamɐ]) is the oldest district of Lisbon, spreading on the gradient betwixt the Castle of Lisbon as well as the Tejo river. Its advert comes from the Standard Arabic Al-hamma, pregnant fountains or baths. It contains many of import historical attractions, alongside many Fado bars as well as restaurants.

 Old tram inwards the Alfama, inwards front end of the Museum of Decorative Arts (red solid to the left)

During the times of Moorish domination, Alfama constituted the whole of the city, which afterward spread to the West (Baixa neighbourhood). Alfama became inhabited past times the fishermen as well as the poor, as well as its status every bit the neighbourhood of the pitiful continues to this day. The non bad 1755 Lisbon Earthquake did non destroy the Alfama, which has remained a picturesque labyrinth of narrow streets as well as pocket-sized squares. Lately the neighbourhood has been invigorated alongside the renovation of the one-time houses as well as novel restaurants where Fado - Portuguese typical melancholy music - tin survive enjoyed.

A typical Alfama street

Overlooking the Alfama is the mediaeval Castle of São Jorge, regal residence until the early on 16th century as well as directly offering the best views of the city. In the slopes of Alfama at that spot are other terraces (miradouros) from which to come across the city, similar the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, virtually the church building of the same advert as well as over remnants of the Moorish metropolis walls, as well as the Miradouro das Portas create Sol (Gates of the Sun). Near Miradouro of Santa Luzia is located the Museum of Decorative Arts (Museu de Artes Decorativas), a 17th century mansion alongside magnificent interiors.

Among the churches of the Alfama are Lisbon Cathedral (12th-14th centuries), the oldest of the metropolis as well as located to the West of the neighbourhood, the Convent of the Grace (Convento da Graça, 18th century), virtually the Castle, the mannerist Monastery of São Vicente de Fora (late 16th-18th century), where the Kings of the House of Braganza are buried, as well as the baroque Church of Santa Engrácia (17th century), directly converted into a National Pantheon for of import Portuguese personalities.