Lisbon

Baixa is an area of grid streets in central Lisbon lying north of Praça do Comércio on the river front, right up to Avenida da Liberdade and west of Alfama.

The area was rebuilt in a grid structure after the great earth quake in 1755, the avenues are wide and many are pedestrianized making it a great place to stroll about or shop.

The view from the rooftop café at the top of Elevador de Santa Justa looks out over the whole of the Baixa and greater city. The elevator provides easy access to Bairro Alto.

Many of the streets are named based on the products or crafts sold in the shops.

The tram system connects the Baixa to many points of interest and is simple to use.

From Portas do Sol, there is an excellent view over the river Tagus, the monastery of St Vincente and the Alfama

After the heat of a summer's day, explore the city by night as cooling air drifts in from the Atlantic.

As nighttime descends, many of the streets around the Placa become food streets, with waiters anxious to attract new clients.

Don't let their anxiety put you off as the food can be delicious when you finally make your choice of restaurant.

Alfama survived the 1775 earthquake due to it's solid rock foundations, so today you can still walk through its narrow lanes, streets, past the white washed homes, past the walls panelled in ceramic tiles, pass under the flowers hanging from the wrought-iron balconies and below the unfurling laundry as it dries lazily in the afternoon heat, and on past the caged birds or simply sit and relax in one of the many hidden placa or enjoy a coffee in one of the off trail cafes.

The number 28 tram takes you right through the area.

The Alfama swept down to the former waterfront, now a major road divides it from the sea.

Within the area there are a number of traditional Fado bars and restaurants.

The Alfama was established by the moors though settlements here date back much earlier.

In the time of the moors, the Alfama was a fashionable upper class district, though many of the larger homes were destroyed in the earthquake.

After Lisbon's restoration period the Alfama became a working class and fishermen's quarter.

The monastery of São Vicente de For a dates back to the period between 16th and 17th centuries, though the original monastery was founded in the 12th century.

The Augustinian monastery was built outside the city walls - hence the meaning of the name "monastery of St. Vincent outside the walls".

St. Vincent is the patron saint of Lisbon, his relics lie within the city.

The original site was chosen by King Afonso Henriques who set himself a mission to build a church on the burial ground of Portuguese crusaders who fought the moors.

The church rebuilt in the 16th century was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake.

The present buildings date to the period of re construction.

The river has always played a major part in the life of Lisboa.

Many of the old docks have been decommissioned and the waterside is being developed as an amenity.

Maybe take a cruise on the river - enjoy the skyline as you pass Lisbon's favourite monuments, pass under the multi -story bridge as it takes cars, trucks and trains across the river.