DESCRIPTION

 

There are few places in the world that can charme their visitors quite in the same way Old Lisbon does.

The city's anchient Moorish Quarters are formed by Alfama, Mouraria and their surrounding neighbourhoods. 

 

We will start our quest for the soul of Lisbon in Alfama, one of the first settlements in the city and also one of its most emblematic areas, survivent of the magnanimous earthquake of 1755, which reduced the city's Baixa (the downtown area) to a pile of rubble and debris - due to its foundations being made on dense bedrock. 

Alfama was originally settled by the Romans and the Visigoths, being later, in the 15th century, an important Jewish quarter. However, it would be the Moors who would give the district its character and name ('Alhama' means "springs", due to the springs found in this area). 

 

From the Cathedral of Sé, an imposing white building overlooking Alfama, laying majestically on top of one of the city's seven hills, we will make our way downwards, passing by the maze of narrow streets and alleyways, tiny squares, churches and whitewashed houses adorned with Azulejos (small blue-and-white traditional tiles), and through wrought-iron French balconiesbearing drying laundry and colourful flower vases.

 

Upon reaching the Baixa area, we will take a well-deserved break in one its many cafés, where we will have the chance of putting our feet up and relax over a nice, cold drink - or a hot bevvie and a snack, perhaps. We will then carry on heading towards Mouraria, where we will further our quest of finding out the soul of Lisbon and its roots.   

 

Mouraria (literally, "the Moors Area"), contains a tanggled street layout just as Alfama does. 

As the Portuguese conquered the city during the country's formation, the Arabs - by then occupying parts of the city - were forced to retreat into this quarter, further mingling with other people from different faiths and walks of life. These people, seen at the time as outcasts, soon established here, and in the 19th century, a guetto arose. Prostitution, along with the by then indecent and underground style of local music - the Fado - prolifered in Mouraria, bringing a rather bad connotation to the quarter. Fado, however, would grow and become part of the very sould of the city of Lisbon, going from obscurity to one of the most important and cultural aspects of the city itself. 

Nowadays, renovated houses faithfuly bearing the same façades of older times, along with local grocery stores, old tavers and historic Fado houses make of Mouraria a rather special place to visit. 

 

Largo da Severa: this square is one of the most cherished places amonghst locals in Mouraria. In it, one will find the Casa da Severa ('Severa's House'), home of the legendary Fadista, Maria Severa Onofriando, who would be the first Fado singer to become famous, recording its first album - ever.

 

Well in the earth of the quarter, we will pass by Rua da Mouraria and Rua do Capelão's streets, immortalised by Severa's songs and the likes of Amalia Rodrigues, who was born in a street nearby and would become not only the most notorious Fado singer of all time, but is also dubbed as "the Voice of Portugal" and "Queen of Fado".   

 

Upon soaking in the local vibe, we will end up our evening in one of the renowned Casas de Fafo ('Fado Houses'), no less; where we will dine, try out some local wine and of course, experience in first-hand this remarkable way of singing and playing music by listening to a live performance... and thus getting acquainted with the very sould of Lisbon.   

 

 

PRICE INCLUDES 

 

Transportation from your designated pick-up point until Alfama, in a state-of-the-art van or mini bus, with air-con, comfortable seats and independent heating system.Fresh, bottled water is available whenever onboard.

Knowledgeable and professional tour guides, who will ensure the high quality of your tour and safety - at all times.

Entrance to all the sights listed on the tour description.

A 3-course meal* per guest in a genuine Fado Houserestaurant in Mouraria, with a live Fado performance.  

 

 

BEAR IN MIND

 

*FOOD ALLERGY ADVICE: please note that all meal products are prepared and presented with the utmost standards of food hygene, quality and freshness; however, they may contain weat, nuts and/or gluten. Please remember to specify if you have any allergy or food intolerance when you book your tour. 

 

MOBILITY ADVICE: Most places in town that you will be visiting are well paved; however, most pedestrian routes, accesses to monuments and other attractions are made of cobblestones, marble, limestone or other types of rocks, so please bring comfortable footwear.

Please be aware that this is mainly a walking tour, many times climbing up or descending centuries-old streets on steep hills; therefore, we we regret that we cannot accommodate disabled persons. For more information on accessibility, please contact by using our mail box below. 

Alternatively, you may contact us by using our 24-hours telephone number on this page. Our team will be always happy to hear from you.