Alfama: The Heartbeat of Lisbon's Old Soul

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oosh]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado/Obrigada
  [oh-bree-gah-doo/oh-bree-gah-dah]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sehn-sah/deh-skool-peh]
• How are you?Como está?
  [koh-moo ehs-tah]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [behn/eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Fala inglês?
  [fah-lah een-glehsh]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [now ehn-tehn-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr oo meh-noo/por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now koh-moo kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr/por fah-vohr]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-jooh-dah]
• Go away!Vai embora!
  [vah-ee ehn-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chama a Polícia!
  [shah-mah ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chama um médico!
  [shah-mah oong meh-dee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [ehs-toh pehr-dee-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [ehs-toh doo-ehn-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Gostaria de comprar...
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só a ver
  [ehs-toh soh ah vehr]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwahn-too koosh-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh moo-ee-toh kah-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [poh-deh bahy-shahr oo preh-soo]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sow]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia hora (10)
  [meh-yah oh-rah (dohs-eez)]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-nyah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zheh]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mah-nyah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-eesh]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troo]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koo]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehsh]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica...?
  [ohn-deh fee-kah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh oo ehn-deh-reh-soo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pode mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [poh-deh moh-strahr-meh/noo mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [kwahn-doo eh oo proh-ssee-moh/ow-toh-kah-roo]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom bee-lye-teh/par-ah]

Alfama is one of the oldest districts in Lisbon, with its origins dating back to the Moorish period in the 8th century. The name 'Alfama' is derived from the Arabic word 'al-hamma', meaning 'the baths'. This era saw the area develop into a vibrant community characterized by narrow streets and small houses, reflecting the Moorish architectural influence.

In 1147, during the Reconquista, Lisbon was captured by Christian forces led by Afonso I of Portugal. Alfama, being a strategic location, remained a residential area for the lower classes and became a center for the Christian community. The architecture began to reflect Romanesque and Gothic styles as churches and monasteries were built, with the Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral) being a prominent example.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, Alfama flourished as Lisbon became a hub for maritime exploration. The district was home to many sailors and traders who contributed to the wealth of the city through the spice trade and other goods. This period also saw the establishment of Fado music, which would later become a defining cultural element of Alfama.

On November 1, 1755, a catastrophic earthquake struck Lisbon, causing widespread destruction. Alfama, with its narrow, labyrinthine streets and older structures, suffered significant damage. However, many of its historic buildings survived, and the district retained its character, becoming a symbol of resilience in the face of disaster.

Fado, the soulful music genre characterized by melancholic melodies and lyrics, emerged in the early 19th century within the working-class neighborhoods of Alfama. It reflects the themes of longing and nostalgia, resonating deeply with the local culture. Fado houses began to proliferate, and the neighborhood became a central hub for this unique musical expression, attracting both locals and tourists.

Today, Alfama is a blend of historical charm and modern life. The district has undergone gentrification, attracting artists, musicians, and visitors seeking to immerse themselves in its rich history. Despite changes, it retains its authenticity, with traditional festivals, Fado performances, and local artisans contributing to the vibrant culture that continues to define Alfama as a crucial part of Lisbon's identity.

Alfama is centrally located in Lisbon and can be easily accessed from various neighborhoods. From Baixa, take Tram 28 or a 15-minute walk. From Bairro Alto, you can walk downhill (approximately 20 minutes) or take Tram 12. If arriving from the airport, take the Aerobus to Praça do Comércio and then walk or use Tram 28 to reach Alfama.

Alfama is best explored on foot due to its narrow, winding streets. However, Tram 28 is a popular option for a scenic ride through the neighborhood. Taxis and ridesharing services are also available. For those wishing to cycle, bike rentals are offered in nearby areas, but be cautious of the steep hills.

Alfama is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Be wary of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Avoid less frequented alleyways at night. While crime rates are low, areas around the Fado bars can get crowded and draw attention from petty thieves.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is Hospital de Santa Maria, and pharmacies are widely available throughout Alfama. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking. Avoid overly casual attire when visiting churches. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious sites. Don't take photos in places where it is prohibited. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bom Dia' (Good Morning). Don't forget to say 'Obrigado' (Thank You). Eating & Drinking: Do try traditional dishes like bacalhau and sample local wines. Don't eat while walking, as it's considered impolite.

To experience Alfama like a local, visit the local markets such as Mercado de Santa Clara, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Engage with locals in Fado houses, where you can enjoy traditional music and cuisine. Try to attend a Fado performance to understand the heart of Alfama's culture. Don't miss the Miradouro de Santa Luzia for stunning views of the Tagus River.