Seeing Stories

Largo das Alcaçarias: the life in the alcaçarias

Notice that smell? Sulphur. Sweet and warm sulphur.
Welcome to the Muslim Alfama, or from the arabic al hamma, the fountain of warm water, thus baptized by the Moors.
Right in the heart of the city, on the slope of the Castle and the River, Alfama was once a paradise palace of thermal baths gently flooded by the river's tide.
Mineral and medicinal hot and cold springs were used for public baths, milling and cloth washing.
Sacred healing water, private and public spas for joy, cure, tranquillity and contemplation which remained active until the early decades of the 20th century.
Marital ceremonies were held here sometimes.
Perhaps they sang songs...
Perhaps they told stories...
Perhaps, they still remain...