Colorful, charismatic and irresistible Lisbon provides a unique sensation of modern and at the same time old. In Alfam, you will experience Lisbon as it once was. The architecture of this oldest part of the city tells incredible stories, and the oldest bookstore in the world, created in 1732, testifies to its beauty. Known for its yellow tram, fado music, good nightlife, great shopping, amazing restaurants with seafood specialties, good wine, olives and very tasty treats such as traditional "pastel nata". What is characteristic of Lisbon are the famous Portuguese tiles that adorn most of the walking zones and squares. White is the color of warriors, while black was the favorite color of the patron saint of Lisbon, São Vicente.
Alfama is the oldest city district, the former center of the Moorish Lisbon. Old buildings of historical significance are located here. Alfama was inhabited by Romans and Visigoths, and in the 15th century it was also known as the Jewish Quarter. However, the Moors changed the name and the energy of this place. The fountains and springs found in the area influenced the name itself. The word Alfama comes from the Arabic "ạlḥmẗ" which means "hot fountains" or "baths". Alfama used to be mostly inhabited by fishermen and was considered a poor area.
Saint George Castle or São Jorge is the most visited sight in Lisbon, located at the top of the São Jorge hill, which, at the same time, is the highest hill in the city. The castle stands out, both during the day and at night when it is lit. The building is characteristic because of its long history, but also very attractive because of its location. Below it are two city districts, the medieval Alfama and Castelo.
Belém Tower is located near the Jerónimos Monastery and it is considered one of the most significant sights in Lisbon. Its other name is The Tower of Saint Vincent and it was built between 1514 and 1520. The tower is 35 meters high. The style in which it was made is manueline, and it is the work of the architect Francisco de Arruda from Portugal. The Manueline style was created by King Manuel I and it is a style that encompasses different stylistic directions of architecture, and you will see that as an example on this tower. This style refers to the late Gothic Portuguese style that was characteristic for the 16th century. His main motifs are marine, scenes of great discoveries and their symbols.
The Rossio Square is one of the most popular Lisbon squares. Both tourist and locals find it attractive because it is the most cheerful and liveliest square in Lisbon. Surrounded by architecturally beautiful buildings and baroque fountains with one monument in the middle of the square, it is really the right place to enjoy, play with children, drink coffee or read a book. The monument in the center of the square is dedicated to Pedro IV, and the female statues of the monument symbolize wisdom, beauty, strength and justice.
The Lisbon moving souvenir and one of the bigger attractions is the tram 28. An old yellow colored tram is something that must be visited during the stay in Lisbon. You can buy souvenir "tram 28" in almost every gift shop. Tram 28 passes through some of the most significant parts of Lisbon, and with its famous route, which is much more than just a transport, allows you to see some of the most popular parts of the city, such as: Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, Estrela – the winding street.
