Alfama

-Sé, Lisbon Cathedral, São Jorge Castle, Castello de São Jorge, Tram 28, Santa Luzia, Panteao Nacional, Igreja de São Vicente de Fora, Igreja de Santo Estevao

Alfama is the oldest district of Lisbon, and one of the most hilly, situated right next to the city center and the Tagus River. Alfama derives from the Arabic word Al-hamma, which means "hot baths". The most famous of Lisbon's historical yellow trams, Tram 28, climbs the hills of Alfama. Alfama is the foremost district where you can listen to the traditional melancholic fado music, there is even a fado museum here.

Since Alfama survived the big 1755 earthquake, it is the part of Lisbon that is most intact, and most picturesque. (or Metropolitan Cathedral of St Mary Major), Lisbon’s gothic/Romanesque/baroque cathedral from the 12th-13th centuries, was built in stone and is situated on a hill in Alfama. It is the oldest church in the city since it has survived many earthquakes and is a national monument since 1910. The Lisbon Cathedral, as it also is called, is also the seat of the Archdiocese of Lisbon. Many of Lisbon's characteristic tuktuks stop outside the cathedral to attract customers. Several imposing, white churches with landmark towers have survived, Igreja de São Vicente de Fora (also a monastery built in mannerist style 1147-1629), Santa Luzia, Igreja de Santo Estevao. Panteao Nacional (National Pantheon), also called Igreja de Santa Engrácia is a 17th century monument and church, situated on another hill in Alfama. It is a white building with a dome.

At the Santa Luzia church there is an impressive viewpoint over Lisbon, Miradouro De Santa Luzia, with open-air restaurants.

The historical Castelo de São Jorge (St George’s Castle) overlooks the city, situated in the highest part of the old town. The first fortification of the city dates back to the 1st century BC. The location has served  fortifications occupied successively by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors, before its conquest by the Portuguese in the 1147 Siege of Lisbon. The current castle’s stone walls and towers was constructed during the Moorish occupation. It is a popular tourist attraction, with views over the city. Since the 12th century, the castle has served as a royal palace, a military barracks, home of the Torre do Tombo National Archive, and now as a national monument and museum. When we arrived at the castle it was already dark and evening, so it was close. But we visited the outer walls and saw it from afar.

Alfama 01 Alfama 02 Alfama 03 Alfama 04 Alfama 05 Alfama towards the cathedral Alfama 07 Alfama 08 Alfama 09 Alfama 10 Alfama 11 Alfama 12 Alfama 13 National Pantheon,  Alfama National Pantheon,  Alfama Alfama 16 Alfama 17 Alfama 18 Santa Apolónio Station, Alfama Santa Apolónio Station, Alfama Alfama 21 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 03 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 04 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 01 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 02 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 05 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 06 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 07 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 08 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 09 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 10 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 11 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 12 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 13 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 14 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 15 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 16 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 17 Sé, Lisbon Cathedral 18 Alfama by night 01 - Santa Luzia church Igreja de São Vicente de Fora church Alfama by night 03 Alfama by night 04 Alfama by night 05 Alfama by night 06 Santo Estevao church National Pantheon,  Alfama Igreja de São Vicente de Fora church Alfama by night 10 Alfama by night 11 Alfama from the Santa Justa elevator 01 Alfama from the Santa Justa elevator 02 Alfama from the Santa Justa elevator 04

Castello de São Jorge São Jorge Castle São Jorge Castle 01 São Jorge Castle 02 São Jorge Castle 03 São Jorge Castle 04 São Jorge Castle 05 São Jorge Castle 06 São Jorge Castle 07 São Jorge Castle 08 São Jorge Castle 09 São Jorge Castle 10

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