Alfama Walking Tour

Uncover the cultures that shaped the destiny of Lisbon's oldest quarter

(4.87)

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From $289 privately

Tour Details

About the Tour

Category: History, Four Days in Lisbon
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Lisbon

Photos & Highlights

A great orientation tour for first-time visitors to discover the rich history of Alfama, Lisbon's Old Town
Led by an expert local guide or scholar
São Jorge Castle, Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), and Alfama Neighborhood

Tour Description

Join us on a fascinating 3-hour walking tour, led by a local expert historian throughout Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood Alfama. While enjoying expansive views overlooking the River Tagus, we will learn human stories via the historical architecture of São Jorge Castle, Lisbon Cathedral, and Miradouro das Portas do Sol. From Phoenician settlers to the ruling of the Moors, Euro integration to Lisbon's working class, and the rise of the emotive and nostalgic Fado music and culture. We will explore winding hills, cobblestone streets, and narrow hidden avenues, to experience the fascinating history of Lisbon. This tour provides a fascinating insight into what has given rise to this exciting and vibrant historical neighborhood.

Sites Visited

São Jorge Castle (exterior)
Alfama Neighborhood
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
Miradouro das Portas do Sol

Itinerary Details

Meeting in the Praça da Figueira in Baixa, we'll journey with our guide by elevator to the top of Alfama Hill in Lisbon's Old Town. Here we'll find the splendid São Jorge Castle, one of Lisbon's most visited sites. Much of what exists of the castle today was constructed during the Moorish occupation of the 10th and 11th centuries. However, there is archaeological evidence that fortifications have existed on the site as far back as the 2nd century BC when Phoenician traders settled in this area.

Our guide, a trained historian, will discuss the early history of Lisbon and how Moorish influence can be traced through architecture and design throughout the city. Continuing our walk further into the neighborhood, we'll uncover other archeological ruins, such as a Roman theater, another fascinating addition to the rich and complex history that created Alfama.

As we arrive at the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, one of the most iconic lookout points in Lisbon, we can delight in the sweeping views of Alfama and observe some of the principal structures in Lisbon's skyline. Here we can compare contemporary and historic maps to grasp the complex maze of narrow streets that weave amongst Alfama’s beautiful buildings.

Next, we will make out way to the Lisbon Cathedral, or Sé, and focus on the exterior, gaining insight into the Christian experience during the Moorish occupation, as well as the period following the 1147 reconquest. Construction began on the church, the oldest in the city, that same year, though its architectural identity has changed over the centuries with modifications made necessary after various earthquakes. The building is also a wonderful introduction to understanding Alfama and Lisbon in more recent times.

During our walk, our conversation will most certainly turn to Fado. One of Portugal's best-known exports, this genre of music is said to have originated in the popular port districts of Lisbon, particularly Alfama. Raw, sultry, and often spontaneous, the songs of Fado tell the daily narratives of Lisbon's working class. We'll pass by historic spots in the story of Fado, while our discussion covers the social significance of the genre and how it fits in with Alfama's greater history.

By the end of our time together, we'll have a better sense of the people and events that have formed Lisbon's captivating history and created the unique personality of Alfama.

This tour is nicely complemented by our 3-hour Introduction to Lisbon Walking Tour, which includes the central Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto neighborhoods.

FAQ

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Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Will we hear Fado on this tour?

While we will most definitely discuss the origins and social significance of Fado music on this tour, we will not attend a concert.

Does this tour include a visit to São Jorge Castle?

Our tour will meander through the streets of Alfama, incorporating some of its most iconic monuments, like the São Jorge Castle. We will certainly discuss the castle from its exterior from various vantage pointsbut do not tend to include the interior.

What if it’s raining?

Tours operate rain or shine. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.

Is this tour walking-intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible?

While we don't cover a large distance on the tour, nor do we take a fast pace, Lisbon is the City of Seven Hills and Alfama is no exception. We will be walking up stairs and inclines, as well as on cobblestoned streets. If you have mobility concerns, please feel free to contact us before booking; we can help you decide if our group walk or a private walk, with a modified route, will be best.

Will we see the interiors of the castle and the cathedral?

No, the stops do not include the interiors.

Can I do this tour by car?

No, unfortunately, due to the width of the hilly streets of Lisbon there isn’t a way to do this tour by car. We have designed this tour to generally walk downhill although there are occasional uphill stairs and inclines.

Where You'll Start

Tour Experts

Bert

Bert is an Architect and Writer and holds a Master's Degree in Architectural Engineering and Cultural Sciences. He was born in Belgium and has lived and worked in Amsterdam, Beijing, and Shanghai before relocating to Lisbon in 2018. He established his career through many academic and writing-focused roles throughout his journey – also working as an Architectural consultant. He is the co-director of "MovingCities," an independent research organization investigating the role that architecture and urbanism play in shaping the contemporary city of Lisbon. Bert lived in China from 2006 to 2018, where he first began leading Context walks. He also has a great understanding of Lisbon’s historic legacy, Jewish culture, and architectural style – fields of interest he has studied relentlessly since his first visit to the city in 2003.

Patricia

Patrícia Brum is a Portuguese archaeologist. Her first excavation was at the Alleins Castle, in France. From 2008 to 2021, she was part of the archaeology team of the Roman Ruins of Tróia, where she developed her interest not only in the research but also in its social return and community participation in heritage conservation, leading her to develop her master's thesis in Museum Studies. Between 2016 and 2019, she participated in a European project dedicated to the study of the effects of climate change on Cultural Heritage. She is now working at the Lisbon Museum - Roman Theatre, located in one of the oldest neighborhoods of Lisbon.

Estela

Estela Mendes is an art historian. Born and raised in Lisbon, she has been teaching about the beauty of the world for many years. After working in national palaces in Portugal, Estela moved to London where she spent 5 years working at museums like Buckingham Palace, the Victoria & Albert Museum, the British Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. Her background in art history gives a special view of the history of the city, using art to illustrate historical facts. She likes to walk through quiet streets and show small secrets to those who have never been to Lisbon.

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151 Reviews – (4.87)

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Estela’s tour was informative and interesting. A short refreshment break half way through would have been appreciated ! It was warm and we did a lot of walking up and down hills.

Leslie l

May. 25, 2023

Jose Picas de Vale gave us a wonderful tour of Alfama from the perspective of a true expert on Portugal's history as well as life in Portugal in recent decades. He is a great story teller and put up with all our questions. We had a marvelous time and learned much that helped us enjoy the rest of our trip in Portugal.

Robin

May. 22, 2023

Estela was a delight! Very knowledgeable & fun to spend the morning with. Would have appreciated at least one more opportunity to sit for a few minutes. Lisbon seems to have a bench shortage!

Andrea

May. 6, 2023

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