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There are several other apartments in Alfama, the medieval Moorish neighborhood where an emerging cosmopolitanism mixes with the “natives” day-to-day life. It is a village in the heart of the city, due to the fact that most of Alfama’s residents have lived here their entire lives and retain a strong sense of community. Alfama was first settled by the Romans and Visigoths and was an important Jewish neighborhood in the 15th century, but it was the Moors who gave the district its atmosphere and name (al hamma means springs, a reference to the hot springs used as baths until the 17th century). It is crowned by São Jorge castle, which was built by the Visigoths in the 5th century and enlarged by the Moors in the 9th century. Be surprised by Alfama's narrow cobblestone alleyways, stairs and squares, built on a rock-hill that was responsible for its survival after the big 1755 earthquake that destroyed most of the medieval city. A walk through this old-fashioned residential neighborhood is now a step back in time. It is an ideal place to explore hidden places, stunning views over the city, the river Tejo, restaurants, fado houses, or even to dance and eat sardines during the popular June festivals. Here you can find numerous little grocery shops, taverns and small restaurants - most having no more than 3 tables. At the edge of the Alfama, Lisbon's renowned flea market, the Feira da Ladra, is held in the Campo de Santa Clara every Tuesday and Saturday. Contrasting with these timeless images is a trendy modern development by the waterfront across from Santa Apolónia train station which houses stylish design shops, restaurants and bars, like the famous "Lux". You are also very close to the Fado and Portuguese guitar Museum: Situated at Largo do Chafariz de Dentro. It is a place where you can have a historical visit through the most the traditional Portuguese music-Fado- and famous Portuguese fado singers like Amalia Rodrigues, Carlos do Carmo and Mariza. During the summer thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays) you can dinner in a small square of the museum and listen to Fado, live! A night program you certainly won’t miss! Another astonishing building next dor to the apartment is Casa dos Bicos (House of Facets). It was built in 1523 at the time of king Manuel I and is faced with diamond-shaped stones, probalby influenced by the Italian renaissance. If you decide to go further up, passing Alfama you will find an astonishing view of the city from Miradouro da Graça or from the one where is the church of St. Maria do Monte da Graça. You will also be able to visit a Spanish barroque style monastery S. Vicente de Fora (mark of the Spanish domination of Portugal until 1640). From this apartment you can explore the rest of the city walking to the castle (S. Jorge) or to Baixa, Bairro Alto, Chiado or Santa Clara. Come and see for yourself! You can check the location of the neighbourhood and the street in the following link:
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