March 20, 2025, 6:07 p.m. | Reading time: 4 minutes
The Alfama is the most original district in Lisbon. With its narrow, winding streets and wooden balconies, it is reminiscent of its Moorish origins. Sunnytrips reveals what there is to discover there.
Lisbon's old town is nestled on the seven hills around the Sáo Jorge Castle. Traditionally the houses are painted white and glow in the sun. Facades with tiles are also part of the traditional construction method. In any case, you should stroll through the narrow streets on foot.
The history of the Alfama
Dilapidated houses – and more and more Airbnbs
Sights in the AlfamaThe oldest church in LisbonLisbon's largest flea marketViewpoints
The oldest church in Lisbon
Lisbon's largest flea market
Viewpoints
The history of the Alfama
The Portuguese capital was almost completely destroyed in 1755 by an earthquake with a major fire and tsunami. Only the houses in the old town remained largely intact. Even then, financial help came from all of Europe's important trading centers to support reconstruction.
Just a few decades ago, the Old Town was the loudest and liveliest part of Lisbon, with quaint restaurants, pubs and cafés from which Fado could be heard in the evenings. The typical Portuguese music style developed in the 19th century in the poor Alfama district of Lisbon.
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Dilapidated houses – and more and more Airbnbs
Unfortunately, many houses in the old town are now falling into disrepair due to a lack of financial resources. There is a lack of money to renovate the old houses. That's why when you walk through the streets you often come across windows that have been bricked up or barricaded with boards. In recent years, some of them have been renovated thanks to foreign investors, as stated in a detailed report about the Alfama by the Berlin Tenants' Association. However, more than half of all apartments in the Alfama district are offered for rent on Airbnb and other vacation rental portals. Rents in the area, which were tightly regulated for decades, have doubled and many former residents have moved away, according to the report.
Nevertheless, you can still find a lot of original things in the Alfama. On Rua dos Remedios, for example, there are still many craftsmen, some of whom you can watch as they work. Time seems to have stood still there and you can still feel something of the atmosphere when the residents of Alfama could only dream of a better future. And you can also hear Fado more often again - but the best in small bars that often only the locals know.
Of course, the somewhat morbid charm of Lisbon's oldest district has long since spread among visitors, so you are rarely alone here. The view over the whitewashed houses over the bay of the Tejo estuary is also really beautiful - especially at sunset (see large photo above).
Sights in the Alfama
The oldest church in Lisbon
The Catedral Sé Patriarcal dates back to the 12th century. The building stands on the site where there was previously a mosque. The cathedral's facades reflect different architectural styles from Gothic to Baroque, depending on when they were built. Inside there is a 12th-century baptismal font. The patron saint of Lisbon, Anthony of Lisbon, was baptized with him in 1195. The traditional blue and white tiles in the interior tell the story of St. Anthony. Every year on June 13th, a festival is celebrated around the church in his honor.
Also worth seeing is the sacristy, which contains relics, icons and religious art from the 15th and 16th centuries, Lisbon's Golden Age. The cloister is behind the choir. The various chapels for deceased nobles and church dignitaries are worth seeing. There are also Roman, Arabic and medieval artifacts, some of which were discovered during excavations.
»My 7 personal favorite places in Lisbon
Lisbon's largest flea market
The “thief's market”, Feira da Ladra, lies in the shadow of the white facade of Sáo Vicente de Fora, where the Alfama begins. Every Tuesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. buyers and sellers meet at Campo de Santa Clara.
Viewpoints
Near the Castelo Sáo Jorge is the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. From this viewing platform you have a wonderful view over the old town.
Not far from the fortress is the Miradouro Graca. Next to Igreja das Garca there is a small kiosk with snacks and drinks that you can have while enjoying the view of Lisbon's Old Town.
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