Exploring the Alfama

The Alfama is the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon.  At one time, it was the most desirable place to live, located atop the same hill as the Castelo Sao Jorge, but people left for fear that it would be destroyed in an earthquake and poor fisherman and workers inhabited the area.  Ironically, it is the one area that was left nearly untouched by the great earthquake of 1755.    Today, it is still inhabited by the less wealthy populations, but holds onto the historical charm of the city.

The streets are narrow labrynths that take you up and down the hill.  It feels as though you are in this intimate maze of people's homes.  You often have to climb up narrow cobblestone stairs since the streets (ruas) and alleyways (travessas) are so steep.   Laundry is often strung across the close buildings, drying in the gorgeous Lisbon sun. 







Just when you feel like you are lost and have no idea if you should be going up or down, left or right, you stumble upon a gorgeous view (miradouro) or a peaceful bench under grapevines.

 

 We set out to see the Sé and the Castle, but once we were wondering around, we just let our feet do the exploring and ventured down and up alleys on a whim most of the time just to see where we would wind up. 

After trekking up for a while, we came upon this miradouro which provided a magnificent view of the red roofs of the city.  

Contrasted against the blue of the river and sky, it was a breathtaking view.  

Of course, we had to have a little photoshoot :)

 

We finished off our exploration with some Super Bock at a small cafe in the Alfama.  We didn't know the name of the place or even what we really ordered, but that's the charm of living abroad.  With the sun shining bright on us, the beer and wine flowing and the city ours to explore, there's really no way you could go wrong.