Lisbon is one of the most magnificent and beautiful cities of Europe blessed with attractive castles and amazing museums, fabulous theaters and deluxe restaurants affluent with traditional and international cuisine dishes and wonderful attractions where you can have a real fun and relax. If you are in search of magical atmosphere and want to feel the breath of centuries, look no further, Alfama district is the place where you will admire the great beauty of the lively city and explore all the wonders of enigmatic times.
Alfama is a small medieval village right in the city, where you feel like in an old miracle wishing to discover medieval Lisbon mysteries. The panoramic scene of this ancient quarter of Lisbon has inspired many Portuguese artists and writers. This is also a great place especially for photographers. The outstanding view and medieval alleys are a perfect theme for photos. The gorgeous small bridge in the “small fairytale” and the marvelous Baixa square with its alluring surroundings add to the beauty of this fascinating wonder.
Alfama, with its extraordinary surroundings, is affluent with different crazy and rocking bars where you can listen to very soft and original music style called Fado. Fado is the treasure of Portugal and in fact one of the most exclusive music styles of the world. The combination of melody and voice will take you to another world and you will truly appreciate your stay in Alfama. There is probably no a better place to feel the nostalgia of Fado than this old district of Lisbon.
It’s the place that has outlived two very important civilizations, Romans and Arabs. Muslim Arabs lived there for 500 years, thus many streets and houses are decorated in Arabic style. Arabic and Roman style streets are narrow and slim decorated with small stones. Once Alfama was the place of sailors and many poor people living in ancient houses, but now a lot of millionaires build their luxurious and modern style villas exactly in this ancient part of Lisbon, thus nowadays it’s difficult to find as many old houses as years ago.
You can walk enjoying the glaring view of the historical wonder or take an old tram number 28 that will take you from narrow streets to the hills; the very top of Alfama. This place is a home for many architectural castles and amazing churches, small colorful houses embellished with flowers and traditional decorations. St. George is the main attraction of Alfama and is well known among tourists as well. It is a very old castle dating back to the 6th century. I believe the overall beauty of amazing Portugal would not be complete without this castle.
If you happen to visit Lisbon, do not miss the chance to see Alfama that makes the city view more attractive and majestic. Once you start exploring this place, you will start understanding the heart and soul of the Portuguese people and why not, take a small piece of Portugal with you.
