| Alfama Excursion 2 September 2009 |
Alfama is the oldest area of Lisbon and contains a hilly network of narrow twisting cobbled
streets more than a thousand years old. Nearly all buildings are survivors of the earthquake
which destroyed much of central Lisbon in 1755.
streets more than a thousand years old. Nearly all buildings are survivors of the earthquake
which destroyed much of central Lisbon in 1755.
We began our Alfama excursion by visiting Lisbon's ancient Cathedral ("Se"), a solid
fortress-like romanesque church and monastery built on the site of a former Mosque shortly
after expulsion of the Moors about 1100 AD. The interior looks very plain compared to the
elaborate decor of later Portuguese churches.
fortress-like romanesque church and monastery built on the site of a former Mosque shortly
after expulsion of the Moors about 1100 AD. The interior looks very plain compared to the
elaborate decor of later Portuguese churches.
The courtyard of the Old Cathedral's
monastery is being excavated to reveal
the remnants of ancient Roman buildings.
monastery is being excavated to reveal
the remnants of ancient Roman buildings.
The next stop on our uphill walk was the
Museum of Decorative Arts ("Museu de
Artes Decorativas") located in a former
palatial 17th century private home.
Displayed are many beautiful decorative
home furnishings including many from the
Orient. We were surprised to be the only
visitors at this beautiful museum.
Museum of Decorative Arts ("Museu de
Artes Decorativas") located in a former
palatial 17th century private home.
Displayed are many beautiful decorative
home furnishings including many from the
Orient. We were surprised to be the only
visitors at this beautiful museum.
By the time we were through the museum it was time for lunch. Stopping at a restaurant
down the street from the museum we had a nice salad, delicious grilled fish, perfectly boiled
potatoes and a vegetable or two, all with a light coat of olive oil, and also a shared
half-bottle of the house wine. This was typical of the restaurant meals we had in Portugal,
prepared to order by skilled cooks who seemed to care, for a price averaging about 9 Euros
(US$13.50) each.
down the street from the museum we had a nice salad, delicious grilled fish, perfectly boiled
potatoes and a vegetable or two, all with a light coat of olive oil, and also a shared
half-bottle of the house wine. This was typical of the restaurant meals we had in Portugal,
prepared to order by skilled cooks who seemed to care, for a price averaging about 9 Euros
(US$13.50) each.
The tram brought us to a plaza near our hotel.
Front of Old Lisbon Cathedral
Interior of Old Cathedral
Old Cathedral Monastery
After lunch we took tram No. 28E twisting down through part of Alfama back to the area of
our hotel. During our walk and tram ride we took in some interesting sights.
our hotel. During our walk and tram ride we took in some interesting sights.
A partial view of Alfama rooftops
Tourist at unusual old tree
Street at the Museum of Decorative Arts
This sign seems to translate as "Together we will achieve
that all children will be learning English". The advertiser's
name translates as "Advance Portugal".
that all children will be learning English". The advertiser's
name translates as "Advance Portugal".