The Tagus in the distance

Lisbon, Portugal

Looking down over the Alfama neighborhood and São Miguel church on the right, the estuary of Tagus River can be seen in the distance.  The Tagus River (Tejo in Portuguese and Tajo in Spanish) is the longest river on the Iberian peninsula (1038 kilometers / 645 miles) while the estuary makes up one of the most important wetlands in Europe, hosting a vast variety of fish, other sea life and birds migrating between Europe and Northern Africa.  It is considered the largest estuary in Western Europe.

rising above

Lisbon, Portugal

The Church of Saint Michael (Igreja de São Miguel) sits in the heart of the Alfama neighborhood rising above the Tagus River.  It dates back to to the 12th century, but needed to be rebuilt in the late 17th, now exhibiting a Mannerist and Barroque style of architecture.

just another day

Lisbon, Portugal

Alfama, overlooking the river Tagus on this radiant sunny afternoon...
 

steep, narrow streets

Lisbon, Portugal

If you find yourself trying to follow a map while in the Alfama neighborhood of Lisbon, forget it.  Put it away and just wander; it is the best way to get the full experience.  Just go whereever your body takes you.

yet another face of Lisbon...

Lisbon, Portugal

Because Lisbon is "a city built on seven hills", getting around can be a challenge.  Trolley cars and trams are the traditional mode of transportation that can be taken here to get up the steepest of hills.  This picture is taken from the lookout Miradouro das Portas do Sol and the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, housing the Royal Pantheon of the majority of the Braganza monarchs of Portugal and their families, can be seen in the background.

on the shores of the Tagus

Lisbon, Portugal

one of Lisbon's countless faces on the shores of the Tagus River...

Alfama

Lisbon, Portugal

Alfama - the oldest district of Lisbon transports you back in time and does something to your state of mind that is impossible to explain...

quaint corners

Lisbon, Portugal

The area of Alfama is a must when visiting Lisbon.

a picturesque labyrinth

Lisbon, Portugal

Getting lost in the Alfama neighborhood of Lisbon is one of the best things that can ever happen to you.