Experience the Charm of Alfama: Lisbon's Historic Neighborhood
Discover the rich culture and fascinating history of Aflama, a hidden gem in Lisbon. Explore its winding streets, historic landmarks, and experience its authentic atmosphere.
When it comes to historic cities, Lisbon definitely takes the cake! My family and I recently embarked on a journey through the streets of Lisbon to see some of its most famous landmarks, including St. Anthony's Church, the Oldest House in Lisbon, and the Calçada by Vhils. And let me tell you, the city did not disappoint!
St. Anthony's Church - A Religious Gem in the Heart of Lisbon
As we approached St. Anthony's Church, Melissa said, "oh my gosh, it's a mini-cathedral!" And she wasn't wrong. This stunning and historic church, also known as the Santo António Church, is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua. Located in the central area of Lisbon, it's a true gem in the heart of the city.
The moment we stepped inside, we were in awe of the beauty and grandeur of the architecture. The ornate interior and intricate carvings left us in wonder and the gold leaf decorations on the walls and ceiling added a touch of splendor. Our daughter, Samantha, kept saying, "look at this, look at that," and I couldn't help but nod in agreement. The church truly had us in a state of awe.
But the history of St. Anthony's Church was equally fascinating. The church underwent reconstruction and renovation in 1730, only to be destroyed by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, with only the main chapel remaining intact. The church was then rebuilt in 1767 in the Baroque-Rococo style, which is the version that can be visited today.
As we walked through the sacred space, I couldn't help but reflect on the resilience of the people of Lisbon. The 1755 earthquake was one of the largest and most destructive in recorded history, but the people of Lisbon did not let it defeat them. They rebuilt their city, and St. Anthony's Church serves as a testament to their strength and perseverance.
After bidding farewell to St. Anthony's Church, we strolled over to the beautiful and historic Cathedral of Saint Mary Major (also known as Lisbon Cathedral or the Sé de Lisboa), just two minutes away.
Walking in the Footsteps of History: Lisbon Cathedral
Built in 1147, this Roman Catholic cathedral has been through it all - earthquakes, renovations, and everything in between. Despite all that, it still stands tall and proud, showcasing a unique blend of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance. In fact, it's so historical and magnificent that it was designated a National Monument way back in 1910!
When we walked into the cathedral, our jaws dropped. The interior was ornate and intricate, with carvings that left us speechless. The gold leaf decorations on the walls and ceiling? Well, let's say they added an extra touch of glamour to an already stunning church. And if that's not enough, it even houses the relics of St. Vincent of Saragossa, the patron saint of Lisbon.
"But wait, where's the footage?" you might be thinking. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to film inside the cathedral this time, but we've got you covered. Check out our other video EXPLORING LISBON - 6 Things to Do Within 5 Minutes From Each Other. It's got plenty of fun things to watch!
Miradouro Santa Luzia: A Stunning Vista Point in the Heart of Lisbon
The city of Lisbon is known for its picturesque views, and one of the best places to take it all in is Miradouro Santa Luzia.
As we approached the Miradouro, we could see the panoramic views of the city and the River Tagus stretching out before us. The lush greenery and the vibrant flowers added a touch of color to the already stunning view. Samantha, who loves taking photos, couldn't contain her excitement and immediately started snapping pictures.
One of the best things about Miradouro Santa Luzia is its central location, making it easy to access from anywhere in the city. And, as we learned, it's also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
The terrace was bustling with people, taking in the views, chatting with friends, and guys photographing their ladies. 🤗
One of the highlights of the Miradouro was the stunning tilework that adorned the walls. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns were breathtaking, and I couldn't help but admire the artists who created them.
The Oldest House in Lisbon - A Testament to History
About five to ten minutes further up the road, we came across the oldest house in Lisbon, located in the Alfama district. This small 16th-century building survived the 1755 earthquake that devastated Lisbon, and it's a unique example of medieval architecture and a relic of a time before the disaster.
As we walked through the small and quaint house, Melissa kept saying, "can you imagine what life was like back then?" I couldn't help but agree. It was a time before modern conveniences, a time when people relied on their wits and strength to survive. And yet, the house still stands today, a testament to the strength and resilience of the people who lived in Lisbon centuries ago.
Calçada by Vhils - A Tribute to the Late Fado Singer Amália Rodrigues
Just a stone's throw away from the Oldest House in Lisbon, we stumbled upon a public commission titled "Calçada," created by Vhils. Vhils is the street artist alias of Alexandre Farto, a Portuguese artist born in 1987 and raised on the outskirts of Lisbon. He's famous for his relief portrait carvings, which can be found all over the world, and his work has been showcased in various locations globally.
As we gazed upon the piece, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for Vhils and his work. The piece, made in the traditional Portuguese pavement style, pays tribute to the late Fado singer Amália Rodrigues and reflects the city's culture and history. And as someone who grew up in Lisbon, it was truly amazing to see the city's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through such beautiful and impactful artwork.
I have always been fascinated by street art and the way it can capture the essence of a city and its people. Seeing Vhils' work in person was truly a treat. I felt a strong connection to the piece as it celebrated the city's cultural heritage and the late Fado singer Amália Rodrigues.
As we walked away from the Calçada by Vhils, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experience. It was a reminder of how much there is to see and explore in Lisbon and how much the city has to offer in terms of history, culture, and art.
Our journey through the streets of Lisbon was a wonderful experience, and I couldn’t be more pleased to return to film these tranquil locations and see them through the eyes of our daughter Samantha. The city truly has something for everyone - from its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, Lisbon is a city that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits it.
Our stroll through the charming streets of Lisbon was a delightful adventure, and I'm beyond excited to come back and capture these serene spots through the lens of my daughter Samantha. With its gorgeous buildings, fascinating history, and lively cultural atmosphere, Lisbon has something for everyone. No matter who you are, this city will leave a memorable mark on you!
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Nice article! That's amazing that house survived and others nearby didn't.