Alfama, Medieval district in Lisbon, Portugal.

Alfama is a medieval neighbourhood of Lisbon whose steep, narrow streets descend toward the Tagus between the São Jorge Castle and the river. Its closely packed three- and four-storey houses have pale plastered walls in white, cream, yellow and faded pink, with orange-red ceramic tile roofs, small irregular windows and some green shutters. Near the top stands the white church of Santa Luzia with its rounded dome and small lantern.

Alfama was the whole of Lisbon under Moorish rule; after the Christian conquest the city expanded west and the district became home to fishermen and the poor. The 1755 earthquake spared it, so its medieval street layout survived. The name comes from the Arabic al-hamma, meaning hot fountains or baths.

Alfama's name comes from the Arabic al-ḥamma, "hot fountains" or "baths", a reminder of the Moorish period when the district was the whole city. Fado sung in the small bars and the June festivals of Santo António, with grilled sardines and processions, keep the neighbourhood's street life going.

Alfama's lanes climb steeply between the castle and the Tagus, so plan routes downhill where possible and allow extra time for the gradients. Tram 28 crosses the district and saves the climb to the upper viewpoints, but it is often full, so board at an early stop. Many streets are stone-paved and uneven, and some passages are too narrow for vehicles.

The Miradouro de Santa Luzia, in Alfama, has two azulejo panels on its south wall: one shows the Praça do Comércio before the 1755 earthquake, the other depicts Christians attacking São Jorge Castle, designed by António Quaresma and made at the Viúva Lamego factory.