Largo de Peneireiro, Lisboa

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❖Largo de Peneireiro, Lisboa, Portugal, 2017 [open in full screen]

Previous Praça do Municipio, Lisbon

This little square is in the hearth of he Alfama the oldest district of Lisbon, spreading between the São Jorge Castle and the Tejo river. Its name comes from the Arabic Al-hamma, meaning "hot fountains" that untill recently were coming down the huill, or the name may have been derived from the Arabic word Alfamm, meaning the "mouth" [of the river Tagus].

Square itself with the name largo, one of three words used in Portuguese langage, the other two are campo and most comonly used praça, is very small one. One of the signs "patio" probably better describe what this space is about.

During the times of Moorish domination, Alfama constituted the whole of the city, which later spread to the West. It became inhabited by the fishermen and the poor, and its condition as the neighbourhood of the poor continues to this day. Today it is popular tourist destination but local character is still alive.

Alfama is also heart of Fado, traditional music genre which can be traced to the 1820s in Lisbon, but probably with much earlier origins. This little largo with its 3 restaurants is following this tradition, it is empty now early in the morning, but I can imagine this place being the perfect spot for "saudade" of Fado. [Amalia Rodrigues - Fado]

This is only one of meny similar places in Alfama, its narrow streets are hiding many secrets, and one very nice touch is worth to be mentiond, Pura Poesia! Here and there cheramic plates are posted on the walls with photos and a little story of ordinary people living in Alfama, like this fishermen Mario here on Largo do Peneireiro. Really nice way to remember really important people from the neighbourhood. There is one more in our collection, Largo Sao Miguel.

Question: Do you maybe know who is making those very romantic "Pura Poesia" grafitti all over the Lisbon?

Next Largo Sao Miguel, Lisbon

❖..c l a s s i f i c a t i o n ... s y s t e m..❖
more about evaluation method		more about types of squares
sociability	10	ceremonial	x
uses & activities	8	religious	x
access & linkages	8	social	x
comfort	10	residential	x
image	10	court yard	x
tourist value	10	with park	x
total	58	street, shopping	x