Lisbon (Alfama)
Alfama, or the Arab district of Lisbon, is its oldest section. We spent a day there, which did not seem nearly enough. Alfama's labyrinthian streets are fascinating to wander in and out of, and the ancient Arabic as well as Christian architectures are wonders to behold.
(Click on each image to see the high-resolution version)
We started out walk from Praça do Comércio, and largely crisscrossed the route of the famous Tram 28, which we would see throughout the day. Cute little restaurants and cafes such as this one can be seen here and there.
Restaurant
On the way to Castelo de São Jorge, we walked by a "Graffiti Park" -- a abandoned yard surrounded by some crumbling buldings. Some people drew graffiti on the walls of the ruins, and an "artist" put out his exhibits -- concrete blocks, fragments of furniture, etc., and offered a "free tour".
Graffiti Park
Graffiti
Graffiti
A guitarist was also playing there, complementing the visual experience with the auditory.
Guitarist
Because of its high elevation, there are a few "miradouros" (view points) in and around Alfama. Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of these. Unfortunately, on this day when we were walking up, the sky was overcast and the view was not that great. So we turned our attention to the azulejo tile murals depicting the Lisbon waterfront and its commercial activities.
Mural of azulejo tiles
Mural of azulejo tiles
Other interesting patterns can be found throughout Alfama, such as decorated windows and tiled walls.
Windows
Door
As mentioned, we crisscrossed the route of Tram 28 the whole day (though we never took it), so we had numerous encounters with it. We also saw it countless times in Chiado and Baixa; it is really the spirit of Lisbon.
Tram 28
Tram 28
Tram 28
Tram 28
As we lingered, the day brightened a little bit, with each turn Alfama's steep and twisting streets offered a different view.
Alfama
Alfama
Finally we reached Castelo de São Jorge, the castle that dominates the Lisbon skyline.
Castelo de São Jorge
Castelo de São Jorge
Castelo de São Jorge
The view from Castelo de São Jorge is expansive. Toward the east, the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora and National Pantheon or Church of Santa Engrácia, are clear in view, as is the Tagus River in the distance.
View from Castelo de São Jorge
View from Castelo de São Jorge
A closer look of the two historical places.
Monastery of São Vicente de Fora (with the dome of the National Pantheon behind it)
My final picture of Alfama was taken on the day when we left for Porto. Just outside the Santa Apolonia Train Station, I snapped a shot of Alfama, with the National Pantheon now high above me.
National Pantheon
