Editing Lisbon (section)

====Alfama====
{{Main|Alfama}}
[[File:A ver S. Vicente.jpg|thumb|right|[[Alfama]], with the church of [[Monastery of São Vicente de Fora|S. Vicente de Fora]].]]

Alfama, the oldest district of Lisbon, spreads down the southern slope from the [[São Jorge Castle|Castle of São Jorge]] to the [[River Tagus]]. Its name, derived from the [[Arabic language|Arabic]] ''Al-hamma'', means fountains or baths. During the [[Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula|Islamic invasion of Iberia]], the Alfama constituted the largest part of the city, extending west to the [[Baixa]] neighbourhood. Increasingly, the Alfama became inhabited by fishermen and the poor: its fame as a poor neighbourhood continues to this day.  Many of the buildings date back to the 18th century, showcasing traditional Portuguese architecture, complete with colorful tiled facades and wrought-iron balconies. While the [[1755 Lisbon earthquake]] caused considerable damage throughout the capital, the Alfama  was largely spared  and survived with little damage, thanks to its compact labyrinth of narrow streets and small squares.

This historic district has retained much of its original character. It is a historical quarter of mixed-use buildings occupied by [[Fado]] bars, restaurants, and homes with small shops downstairs. Fado, the typically Portuguese style of melancholy music, is common (but not obligatory) in the restaurants of the district.

Modernising trends have invigorated the district: old houses have been re-purposed or remodelled, while new buildings have been constructed.

Alfama hosts several events throughout the year, including the popular '''Festas de Santo António''', where locals celebrate with street parties, music, and food. This vibrant atmosphere showcases the community's spirit and connection to its cultural roots.

Key places of interest/cultural landmarks in the neighbourhood include:
[[File:Lisbao-Miradouro Santa Luzia.jpg|thumb|right|''Miradouro de Santa Luzia'', in the Alfama district, at sunrise.]]
* '''São Jorge Castle''': historic [[castle]] which has been continuously occupied for the last 3,000 years<ref>{{Cite web |title=Castelo de São Jorge |url=https://castelodesaojorge.pt/en/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=castelodesaojorge.pt}}</ref>
* '''Miradouros''': Amongst the most emblematic viewpoints there are Miradouro de Santa Luzia (where the Igreja de Santa Luzia e de São Brás stands) and the Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
* '''Museums''': Many museums can be found in Alfama, including the "Museu de Santo António" (Saint Anthony Museum),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Santo António |url=https://www.museudelisboa.pt/pt/nucleos/santo-antonio |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Museu de Lisboa |language=pt}}</ref> "Museu do Aljube - Resistência e Liberdade" (Aljube - Estado Novo dictatorship museum),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Museu do Aljube |url=https://www.museudoaljube.pt/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Museu do Aljube |language=pt}}</ref> the "Museu do Teatro Romano" (Roman Theatre Museum),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Teatro Romano |url=https://www.museudelisboa.pt/pt/nucleos/teatro-romano |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Museu de Lisboa |language=pt}}</ref> the "Fundação José Saramago" (José Saramago Foundation)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fundação José Saramago |url=https://www.josesaramago.org/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Fundação José Saramago |language=pt-PT}}</ref> and the "Museu de Artes Decorativas Portuguesas" (Museum of Portuguese Decorative Arts)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Comercial |date=2019-03-19 |title=Um Projeto Original - FRESS |url=https://www.fress.pt/museu/um-projeto-original/?v=0b3b97fa6688 |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=www.fress.pt |language=pt-pt}}</ref>