The first leg of your tour leads you into Santa Catarina, a neighborhood that is a living gallery of Lisbon’s artistic soul. In addition to the iconic Elevator of Bica—an engineering marvel since 1892—Santa Catarina boasts striking murals that bring the walls to life. Not just an artist’s paradise, the neighborhood is steeped in history as well. The area was once the haunt of fishermen and manual laborers, a fact echoed in the quaint, colorful houses lining the streets. Next on the itinerary is Madragoa, where the air is tinged with the melodies of Fado music. The district was originally a fishermen's community and later became a refuge for African and Asian immigrants, who infused the area with a rich tapestry of culture and music. Here, Fado, Portugal's lamenting musical treasure, comes alive in the dim-lit taverns where locals gather.
