30/09/2008
#274 - Alfama XXVI
29/09/2008
#273 - Alfama XXV
In Alfama, it is still possible to see Roman and Arab remains, two of the most dominant civilizations in Lisbon's past. There are narrow streets resulting from Muslim culture, guided by individualistic rules where public spaces are not important. The narrow streets are a mark of the Coran, where little value is given to facades but a much greater value is given to the interiors of the houses. [*]
28/09/2008
#272 - Alfama XXIV
Premium Bloom Street 87
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09/09/2008
#253 - Alfama V
Santa Engracia Church, or the National Pantheon, stands on the site of an earlier church that was torn down after being desecrated by a robbery in 1630. A Jew was blamed for this and executed, but was later exonerated. Legend has it that before dying he cursed the rebuilding of the church because of the conviction of an innocent man. The plan to reconstruct (by master stonemason João Antunes, bearing many similarities to Peruzzi's plans for St. Peter's in Rome) did take several centuries to be completed, only finished in 1966.
Today it has been designated the National Pantheon and contains the tombs of several Portuguese presidents, writer Almeida Garrett (one of the country's leading 19th century literary figures), and in recognition of her iconic status, Amalia Rodrigues, the most famous Fado diva.
The building is on the plan of a Greek cross, and the interior is covered in beautiful, multicolored slabs of polished marble. It is crowned with a dome that provides a 360-degree view of the river and the city.
The "Feira da Ladra," Lisbon's flea market is held nearby on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Where: Campo de Santa Clara, Alfama
How: Tram 28
When: 10AM-5PM (Closed Mondays)
Sights Nearby |
The Cathedral - The city's oldest building.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol - Standing over Alfama's rooftops, domes, and church towers
Miradouro de Santa Luzia - Views of the river and Alfama.
São Vicente de Fora Church - A 16th century monastery with an exceptional tiled interior.
Santo Antonio Church - Saint Anthony's birthplace.
Graça Church and Miradouro - A panoramic view to the castle and the city.
Casa dos Bicos - A 16th century architectural curiosity.
The Roman Theater - The archaological remains of a once large Roman theater.
Decorative Arts Museum - A captivating decorative arts collection.
Fado Museum - The story of the national music.
Military Museum - A testament to the country's battles.
The Tile Museum - An ancient art form in a lavish old convent.
Doca do Jardim do Tabaco - Sleek restaurants and club on the waterfront.
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03/09/2008
#247 - Av. da República VII
Monumental Cinema Teatro
Status: Closed/Demolished
Screens: Single Screen
Style: Art Deco
Architect: Raul Rodrigues Lima
The building took up a whole city block and seating in the large auditorium was on orchestra level with two balconies above. The cinema was equipped to screen 70mm movies and films such as "Ben Hur", "My Fair Lady", "West Side Story" and "2001: A Space Odessy" all had long runs here.
I don't know when the Monumental closed, but I do know that there was great pressure put on the 'powers that be' to save the building from destruction. All this came to nothing and sadly it was demolished in 1984.
Any further information on this magnificent cinema would be appreciated.
I believe that the current 4 screen Monumental Cinema, located at Edifico Monumental, Praca Duque de Saldanha is built on the site of the Monumental Cinema Teatro. This new cinema screens independent and European art house movies. " [*]