With its narrow passages and vantage points, Alfama is one of the oldest and most typical quarters of Lisbon that blends Roman and Moorish architecture. Its name Alfama has its roots in the Arabic Al-Hama, meaning springs or fountains. Like its name suggests, this neighborhood has distinctively Arabic influence, and it is incomparably different from Chiado’s European grid. Built on a rock-hill, this medieval quarter is the only neighborhood that survived the Great Earthquake of 1755. Once an upper-class Moorish residential, today is a working-class quarter packed with small grocery shops and restaurants. The best time to visit is during Festas dos Santos Populares in June. [*]
10 comments:
Very interesting history. Thanks!
The two cafes remind me of dances of old — you know, girls on one side, boys on the other. :)
I love visiting with you and touring your city. I didn't know there had been a Moorish presence in Portugal. That is definitely news to me. Another nice travelogue, MJ.
I am ready to feast with you. Wonderful. MB
Great shots! Great info. Thanks you for going to Alfama every day to get these beautiful photos for us.
Hilda: on parties days there is no space for seeing who is dancing with who :) LOL
PJ: Thanks for comming. The south of the country was mourish and it was conquest by the lusitans.
MB: Its difficult to think in much fun than you! Camon!!!!!!!
GT: I'm glad you like it. I'll go there everyday just because of you!
I'm shore you live in Alfama neighborhood... am I wright???... :-)
excelente, tenho de lá ir.
It looks lovely, and I'm guessing you are still able to eat/drink outside even in October? It's not something you'd want to do in Glasgow in october, that's for sure!
Tr3nta: You failed bro! I live in a neighborhood of the 70's.
Jackie: All this alfama shots where taken in August but it is still hot in Lisbon and you can see that by the others photos like the ones i've been posting about Rua Augusta, they were taken this month.
I go to classes at night and I never need to wear a coat!
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