Mouraria, Lisbon: The Birthplace of Fado

Mouraria is one of Lisbon’s oldest and most multicultural neighbourhoods. It’s a tangle of steep lanes below the castle where the Moors were moved after the Christian conquest, and it’s often called the birthplace of fado. Less polished than Alfama, it’s full of character.

Quick answer: Mouraria climbs the hill between Martim Moniz and the castle. Walk up Rua do Capelão past the fado portraits, visit Largo da Severa, catch tram 28, and eat in the family-run tascas and international restaurants. It’s best explored on foot or with a local guide. See places to stay around the castle and Mouraria.

Things to do

• Rua do Capelão: a lane decorated with photos and tributes to fado singers.
• Largo da Severa: named after Maria Severa, a 19th-century fado singer from the neighbourhood.
• Fado vadio: informal amateur fado nights in small local bars. See fado in Lisbon.
• Martim Moniz: a square at the bottom of the hill, and the start of tram 28.
• Street art and murals along the stairways.
• Food: Portuguese tascas alongside Indian, Nepali, Bangladeshi and Chinese restaurants.

Walking route

Start at Martim Moniz, climb Rua do Capelão to Largo da Severa, continue up to the Largo dos Trigueiros, then on to São Jorge Castle or across to Graça. See São Jorge Castle and Graça.

Tips

• Shoes: it’s steep and the cobbles are slippery.
• Tram 28: board at Martim Moniz to get a seat. See the trams guide.
• Guided walk: local guides bring the history and fado stories to life. See Lisbon tours.

More: Alfama, unusual things to do in Lisbon and where to stay in Lisbon.

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