Seeing Stories

Beco do Loureiro: The gathering of enchanted moors

Beautiful and irresistible enchanted moors still dwell under these fountains, cry under these spouts, sing under these floors. Half women half snake, they are magical maidens that bathe and stare and comb their hair with golden combs. They guard the treasures of the land. They bear fruits, milk, and honey. They have deep, black eyes. They wait. It is said that once a year the enchanted moors gather under a fountain to bathe, share songs, tell stories, and shed their skin. They travel long distances with their copper, silver and golden watersheds and gather round. So if ever you are walking through Alfama and cross a fountain, please close your eyes and listen. You might be lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.