Free tour

Fado, Mouraria and Alfama: Tradition and Culture

5.00

Excellent (44 ratings)

Lisbon

Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Languages: English and Spanish

Guru: Take

PRO

Verified quality

Registered on 16 July 2021

At Take Free Tours, we believe in the power of exploration and the joy of discovery. Our mission is to make the world accessible to everyone, offering free, immersive walking tours that unveil the hidden gems and rich histories of cities around the globe. Led by passionate, knowledgeable guides, each tour is a unique journey, blending storytelling with culture and adventure. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or exploring a new city for the first time, Take Free Tours invites you to see the world through new eyes, connect with fellow explorers, and create unforgettable memories without the barriers of cost. Join us and embark on a journey of wonder!

Free booking and cancellation

Pay-what-you-wish tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

This tour will take you through the historic neighborhoods of Mouraria and Alfama , where Fado, that profound expression of Portuguese culture, was born and continues to resonate in every corner. For approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, our guide will tell you about the history of Fado, share with you the local traditions and culture, and show you the details and secrets of these ancient neighborhoods that still preserve their essence.

Our tour begins in Martim Moniz , in the heart of the multicultural Mouraria , one of the oldest and most emblematic neighborhoods in the city. From there, we will enter narrow streets, alleys and alleys that take us to the most iconic and often hidden places in Lisbon. During this walk of approximately two hours, you will learn about the history, legends and secrets of Fado as we walk through the places where it was born.

Some of the highlights of our tour include:

Chapel of Our Lady of Health : A symbol of popular devotion, in the heart of Mouraria.
Fado Monument : A tribute to this musical genre that has conquered hearts for generations.
Plaza de la Severa : Dedicated to Maria Severa, the first great voice of Fado and a historical figure of Lisbon.
Calçada de Santo André : Historic street that connects Mouraria with Alfama and offers stunning views of the city.
Amália Mural : A visual tribute to Amália Rodrigues, the most recognized voice of Fado.
Church of Santo Estêvão : Where our route ends, in the heart of Alfama, with a stunning view of the Tagus River and the rooftops of Lisbon.

This tour is designed for all lovers of history, culture and music, and offers an intimate view of the most authentic Lisbon. It is an ideal tour for those who are looking for more than just a tourist tour and want to connect with the very essence of the city.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

R. da Mouraria 38, 1100-584 Lisboa, Portugal

The guide will be next to the chapel with the Take Lisboa logo.

Outside visit

Capela de Nossa Senhora da Saúde

This chapel, originally outside Lisbon's city walls, has a significant historical and emotional tie to the city's residents. Initially dedicated to St. Sebastian in 1505 due to the plague, it was later dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health in 1662 to commemorate the city's deliverance from the disease. Its simple façade makes it a fascinating start to understanding the roots of Fado and the evolution of its name within the context of of Lisbon's history and its battles with destiny.

Outside visit

Estátua "Mouraria - Berço do Fado"

While the tour may vary, learning about the Portuguese guitar—a key instrument in Fado music—provides insight into the traditional melodies and poetic expressions that define this genre. The intricate relationship between the music and its lyrics opens a window to the soul of Portugal.

Outside visit

Largo Severa

Named after Maria Severa, the first iconic Fado singer, this spot is pivotal in understanding how Fado emerged from the humble origins of Lisbon's quarters to become a national symbol of Portuguese identity. Her story is a testament to the depth and passion inherent in Fado music.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours don't have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).