Alfama

Work made by:

Pedro Águas nº15

Margarida Afonso nº12

Alfama is a historical quarter of Lisbon, known internationally for its pubs of fado. Its name drifted from the Arab name al-hamma (that means baths or sources).

Lisboa - Alfama

Alfama has the architecture, the sounds and the odors of the old Lisbon. It is one of the most typical quarters of Lisbon. In its narrow streets you can find the hidden treasure of Alfama and in its steep stairs you’re also able to breathe the soul of Lisbon.

Lisboa - Alfama

Lisboa - AlfamaIt is still possible to see vestiges of the Roman and Arab occupations, two of the most dominant civilizations in the past of Lisbon. These streets are a mark of the Corão, where little value is given to the façades in detriment of the interior of the houses.

This building has resisted to the Earthquake of 1755. Although nowadays Moorish houses don’t exist, the quarter conserves a little of the environment, with its streets, staircases and clothes drying in the windows.

Lisboa - Alfama

This quarter was long ago the most pleasant of the city. For the the narrow, moorish streets in return of the castle constitute all the city.

Lisboa - Alfama

The origins of its decline came during the Middle Age, when the rich residents moved to the west with distrust of the earthquake, leaving the quarter for fishing and poor people.

Lisboa - Alfama

In the month of June, there is a popular party, much like street carnivals, to praise all the portuguese saints. It attracts innumerable visitors and all quarter transforms into an enormous party.

Lisboa - Alfama

Over Alfama, the imponent Castle of São Jorge crowns the hill. This was a fortress and a Royal Palace until the 16th century, is now a public stroll with spectacular sights.

Lisboa - Alfama

In the west of Alfama are the see’s twin towers. By northeast the cupola of the Church of Santa Engrácia and the façade of São Vicente de Fora dominates the horizon.

Lisboa - Alfama

Bibliography: http://lisboa-antiga.tripod.com/alfama.htm

http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfama

Lisboa - Alfama

Bairro Alto Quarter

Bairro Alto

Literally upper quarter, in Portuguese, is an area of central Lisboa, Portugal. It is used as a residential, shopping

and entertainment space. Bairro Alto is one of the oldest districts of Lisbon.

It was always a popular place.

Dozens of fado singing clubs animated the area.

All the major Portuguese newspapers had their offices in there.

Lisbon's dirty underground culture was based here.

Since the 1990s, the Bairro Alto went through some major changes. Lisbon's city council made extensive repairs, dozens of new restaurants, clubs and trendy shops were opened, and many young people moved in. Cars were banned, and streets are now pleasant.

Today, the Bairro Alto (or just the Bairro) is the heart of Lisbon's youth and of the Portuguese capital's nightlife.

Lisbon's Punk, Gay, Metal, Goth, Hip Hop and Reggae scenes, all have the Bairro as their home, due to the number of clubs and bars dedicated to each of them.

The fado, Portugal's national song, still survives in the new Lisbon's nightlife.

During daytime, the Bairro is still a traditional district where old people go shop their groceries, while the younger generations visit art galleries like Zé dos Bois, bookshops like Ler Devagar or arty gift shops like Hold Me!