Lisbon's Alfama & Mouraria Walking Tour: History and Fado

There were times when Lisbon was very different from the city you see today. There were times when its streets were reverberating with many different languages and inhabited by people whose walks of life were very different from each other. That Lisbon of old almost vanished with conquests, wars, time and the tragic earthquake from 1755. But there are certain neighbourhoods where you can still feel the transient presence of the bygone times and peoples. Visit with us Alfama and Mouraria – the only places that survived the disastrous earthquake and are both testimony of Lisbon’s complex past and its many mixing cultures of old.

Lisbon is stretched over seven hills offering breathtaking views of the city, Tagus river and the Atlantic Ocean. Alfama and Mouraria are settled on one of them, between mediaeval Sao Jorge Castle and the mouth of Tagus river. Their names bear clear influence of the times when Lisbon was under the Muslim rule. Name Alfama comes from al-hamma, meaning hot baths and Mouraria means simply the Moorish quarter as this was the only place where Muslims were allowed to live after the Spanish reconquista. Then, when Arabs and Jews were already gone, their neighbourhoods became a habitat for the poor, port workers, sailors and fishermen. Finally, as is usually the case, they have undergone an incredible transformation and today are a place where, on one hand, you can still feel the traditional atmosphere of old Lisbon, but also visit galleries of local artists, artisan shops, trendy cafes and look for Lisbon street art. Alfama and Mouraria are also home to some of the greatest Lisbon attractions including the castle, Sé Cathedral, amazing palaces, viewpoints and museums.

Take a walk with us through a maze of narrow, winding streets of Alfama and Mouraria, see charming palaces with crumbling facades covered with beautiful “azulejos” shining in the sun and old fashioned trams. Hear the melancholic fado music oozing from the many taverns and restaurants and believe us – it is all creating an unforgettable impression that will stay with you for long. Join this tour to discover Lisbon’s traditional atmosphere but be warned, it will steal your heart!