Spirit of 1512 - UNIQUE 2 bedrooms and air conditioning
Situated in the city centre and in one of the most typical areas of Lisbon, you will find an elegant and romantic place to stay.
A building dating back to 1512. A former convent destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, was recovered to become a very special apartment.
The old convent kitchen now converted into a single room features fireplace with traces of the violent earthquake. The entire space has traces of sec XVI and XVII. Columns, old stairs, forged irons. Traces of the eighteenth century tiles are shown at the entrance. A kitchen adapted from an old hallway that led to the other dependencies of the convent, features modern design and almost high-tech. The dining room with decorative tribute to the Chinese porcelain of the eighteenth century of Portuguese comissions.
Two very special rooms, facing the majestic fireplace, recall the old cells of the convent. A small toilet, that was recovered from an old one.
The master bedroom reveals a more modern decor but with references to a older times furniture.
The main bathroom with two basins, spa bath and shower.
An apartment of 1500, with facilities of the twenty-first century.
Alfama
One of the oldest districts in Lisbon, Alfama is spread out on the slope between the Lisbon Castle and the Tejo river. Its name comes from the Arabic Al-hamma, meaning fountains or baths. It contains many important historical attractions, with many Fado bars and restaurants.
During the times of Moorish domination, Alfama constituted the whole of the city, which later grew to the West (Baixa neighborhood). The great 1755 Lisbon Earthquake did not destroy the Alfama district, which has remained a picturesque labyrinth of narrow streets and small squares. Lately the neighborhood has been invigorated with the renovation of the old houses and restaurants, where Fado - typical Portuguese melancholy music - can be enjoyed.
Overlooking the Alfama district is the mediaeval Castelo de São Jorge, the royal residence until the early 16th century and now offering the best views of the city. On the slopes of Alfama there are other terraces (miradouros) from which to see the city such as the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, near the church of the same name and over remnants of the Moorish city walls, and the Miradouro das Portas do Sol (Gates of the Sun). Also located near Santa Luzia Miradouro is the Museu de Artes Decorativas (Museum of Decorative Arts), a 17th century mansion with magnificent interiors.
Among the churches of the Alfama district are the Lisbon Cathedral (12th-14th centuries), the oldest of the city and located to the West of the neighborhood, the Convento da Graça (an 18th century convent) near the Castle, the mannerist Monastery São Vicente de Fora (late 16th-18th century) where the Kings of the House of Braganza are buried, and the baroque Church of Santa Engrácia (17th century), now converted into a National Pantheon for important Portuguese personalities.