Alfama is Lisbon´s most characteristic neighborhood; it is located on the Southeastern side of one of the seven hills of the city. Right at the top sits the Castelo São Jorge with it´s magnificent views over entire Lisbon. This quarter of Lisbon is a haven for walkers and whoever likes to photograph, due to it´s medieval narrow streets and the very interesting buildings, tiny squares, churches, and whitewashed houses with wrought-iron balconies decorated with pots of flowers, drying laundry, and birds in cages.

The foundation of some houses still date back from the West Goths, but the maze and alleyways were brought by the Arabs to create a defense system, while at the same time making it possible for their homes to remain cool in the summer. The name Alfama has Arabian origins, it is said it took its name from the word al-Hama, the name of the thermal springs in the area.

At one point in history, Arabs, Moors and Jews all shared the quarter. During the middle ages this part of town where the bourgeoisie and aristocrats lived was an affluent one. It radically changed in the 16th C. when sailors, craftsmen, fishermen and workers came to settle.
Today, many old and poor people still live amongst the dilapidated houses, they have always lived here. Now, middle –class people are buying and remodeling and moving in; many buildings have been transformed into hotels.
You need to experience Alfama to understand what it feels like; you need to listen to the Fado sung there and the songs inspired by that neighborhood, you need to meander through the streets, the very typical cafes and small restaurants, the churches and the alleyways and brush elbows with the residents.
Across from Alfama and at walking distance, on the waterfront, near the train station of Santa Apolónia, you´ll experience a distinct, very modern atmosphere: Design stores, restaurants and the Lux club, all are overlooking the river.

  Reserved   Pending   Available