30/09/2008

#274 - Alfama XXVI




Alfama was once home to the unlucky, delinquents or non-grateful and due to its proximity with the river it was also the home of many sailors. [*]

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


"Visiting Alfama is to visit the architecture, the sounds and the smells of old Lisbon. This is one of the most typical quarters of Lisbon. On its narrow and winding streets you'll find the hidden treasure of Alfama and on its steep stairs you will be able to breathe the soul of Lisbon." [*]

27/09/2008

#271 - Alfama XXIII








26/09/2008

#270 - Alfama XXII

#270 - Alfama XXII

25/09/2008

#269 - Alfama XXI




24/09/2008

#268 - Alfama XX

23/09/2008

#267 - Alfama XIX


22/09/2008

#266 - Alfama XVIII


21/09/2008

#265 - Alfama XVII







Updated

20/09/2008

#264 - Alfama XVI


19/09/2008

#263 - Alfama XV


18/09/2008

#262 - Alfama XIV


17/09/2008

#261 - Alfama XIII




16/09/2008

#260 - Alfama XII


15/09/2008

#259 - Alfama XI




14/09/2008

#258 - Alfama X




13/09/2008

#257 - Alfama IX


12/09/2008

#256 - Alfama VIII


11/09/2008

#255 - Alfama VII




10/09/2008

#254 - Alfama VI






09/09/2008

#253 - Alfama V



Portugal's National Pantheon

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 National Pantheon seen from the "Feira da Ladra"

(Downloaded from internet)


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
Saint George's Castle - Overlooking the city from millennium-old walls.

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.




08/09/2008

#252 - Alfama IV








07/09/2008

#251 - Alfama III



#251 - Alfama III



Here you are MB, more blue tile building shot and roof from previous church :)

06/09/2008

#250 - Alfama II


05/09/2008

#249 - Alfama I









04/09/2008

#248 - Tagus River yesterday








03/09/2008

#247 - Av. da República VII






Monumental Cinema Teatro


Status: Closed/Demolished
Screens: Single Screen
Style: Art Deco
Architect: Raul Rodrigues Lima


"Opened on 14th November 1951, the architect of this 'monumental' cinema which certainly lived up to its name was 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. " [*]