Lisbon has to include a tour of the Alfama District

Our tuk tuk gave us a little history lesson as he drove us up to The Castelo de Sao Jorge (St George's Castle).  A moorish castle built in the 12th century, was basically destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and rebuilt in 1920.  It has a great view from the top of the hill of Lisbon.  As the tuk tuk moved up the hill and through the windy cobblestoned roads we were given a wonderful feel for the Alfama District without having to actually climb the hill.  After a quick walk up to the castle gates we were feeling famished and wanted to make sure we got something to eat before the 3pm siesta.  Found a lovely little restaurant with a beautiful courtyard.  The Alfama district is also known for their FADO restaurants.  If you want a true Portuguese experience then you want to try a restaurant with FADO music.  It is a Portuguese singer who sings a very emotional song in Portuguese, so even if you can't understand the words, you can understand the emotion.  BTW there is no talking and not even any eating during their production.  Definitely on our list for next time we visit. 

The 4 of us definitely could have used the Doctor above a couple of times on this trip. 

Our guard below, was trying hard not to smile :).  Better to just not look at me :). 



Our final destination was the Carmo Church and Convent.  Up a street, down some stairs, around a corner, up a street - repeat.  We finally made it to this beautiful little square and there was the church. 



In 1755 this was the biggest church in Lisbon.  After the devastating earthquake this is all that is left of the church.  The city was basically destroyed.  The earthquake hit on All Saints day, Saturday, November 1.  Not only were the churches full, but people had candles lit at home, between the earthquake, the fires and the tsunamai, around 30 to 40,000 people were killed. 

Walking through the church still had an eerie and solemn feel to it, knowing that on November 1 people were sitting here worshiping when their world changed forever.

Part of the church includes a museum with the tomb of King Ferdinand I.  

"At the entrance of the museum is a stone engraved with Gothic lettering, informing visitors that Pope Clement VII granted 40 days of indulgence to "any faithful Christian" who visits this church. "

In the picture below you can see part of the Elevador de Santa Justa.  It takes you up the final hill to the convent and church.  Feeling spry we decided to walk it, it had nothing to do with the lineups :)

It was time for a taxi, our old legs were feeling all our climbing and walking today.  Back home, change and off to dinner at Il Matriciano an amazing little Italian restaurant, 200 steps from our AirBnb.  The staff were great and squeezed us in and gave us the complimentary limoncelo before we headed to the Time Out Bar for our glass of port. 

Tip:  Be prepared to eat your lunch before 3 pm.  A lot of cafes and restaurants close from 3 to 5 to get ready for dinner.