Charming apartment in the heart of Alfama, renovated and decorated with fine art prints of original photography. Ideal for families and guests with reduced mobility. Near the subway and a short walk from 28 tram, Downtown and the Castle.
Set in a small ancient building in a typical Alfama street, Alfama Photography House features a spacious living room, two bedrooms and a cozy reading room overlooking the Tagus River. It comfortably houses up to 6 people and is perfectly suited for families and guests with reduced mobility, as there are only two steps from the street level. The small balcony and the bedroom windows bring in the famous Lisbon white light and allow for river views.
The building´s original construction date is uncertain but possibly predates the 1755 earthquake. We do know it kept the exact some structure since the late 19th Century - take a look at the photos we found in the Town Hall archives. We also know it was thoroughly renovated, as we have been living in the upstairs apartment ourselves for a number of years now.
Decoration is a mixture of modern and vintage furniture, most of which collected from our family houses. All the walls are covered with fine art prints of original photography by one of us (you will have to guess who).
The kitchen is fully equipped with cooker, microwave/electric oven, refrigerator with small freezer, espresso and regular coffee machines, toaster, electric kettle and hand blender, together with all the cooking gear you need to prepare homely meals, should you prefer to have a break from the numerous small restaurants in the quarter.
The house has high speed WIFI Internet, cable TV with more than 100 channels and Smart TV with media player, through which you can access our extensive film, series and music library, with lots of kids movies. A selection of board games and books (in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish) is also available. There are heaters in the bedrooms and an air conditioner in the living room.
There is a washing machine, an iron and an ironing board. There is no dryer – you’ll have to hang your clothes out to dry in the balcony drying rack, like the locals do. There is a hair dryer, though; no need to stick your neck out the window after the shower in the small but functional WC.
Our own home is located in the same building - just next door and upstairs – so we will be there to welcome you, give insider tips and help with any problems or doubts you might have regarding the house.
About Alfama
Alfama is a historic district that maintains much of the character and neighborhood life it has had for centuries. Stroll around the narrow streets and alleys and find out for yourself. The house is right in the heart of it. On one end of the street lies Santo Estevao Church, with its beautiful viewpoint overlooking the river and the old city rooftops. On the opposite end, there is a small square with a children’s playground, surrounded by trees.
The streets around the house are dotted with small groceries where you can buy much of the food you need. Just around the corner you can also find a bakery – with freshly baked bread twice a day – cafes, small restaurants, two barber shops and a tailor. And, of course, some of the most famous Fado houses in town. The Fado Museum is also nearby, as is the National Panteon and Lisbon’s flea market (Tuesdays and Saturdays).
If you feel like a little modernity, you won’t have to travel far: less than a 5 min walk downhill (well, on your way there, at least), near Santa Apolonia train station and cruise terminal, you can find a modern supermarket, a gourmet charcuterie serving brunch, the best pizza in town, designer shops and Lisbon’s hipster club (Lux).
Transportation
Alfama Photography House is a 5 min walk from Lisbon’s main railway station (Santa Apolonia) which also has a subway station that connects to the airport within less than 30 min. Coming from the airport by taxi should take no more than 15 min.
There are two secure car parks (one open air and one covered auto silo) within a short walk from the house.
The house location makes it a perfect base for exploring Lisbon city center: 3 min walk from the famous 28 tram line; 10 min walk from downtown (Baixa); 15 min walk from the Castle; and 5 min walk from a subway station connecting to other city highlights.
