Discovering the "Song of Lisboa"

©Fado_Visitlisboa

Born on the banks of the Tagus River at the close of the 18th century, Fado sings the melancholy soul of a people, the sorrows of the narrow streets and alleyways of Lisboa, songs of unrequited love, of farewells, misfortune, and yearning for what cannot be.

From the typical neighbourhoods of Lisboa, Fado suddenly became a citizen of the world when UNESCO classified it as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in November 2011.

A visit to the Museu do Fado (Fado Museum) is a must for those interested in learning more about the universe and history of “song of Lisboa”. Located in Alfama, the neighbourhood traditionally associated with this musical genre, the Fado Museum houses a one-of-a kind collection of fundamental importance in interpreting the city’s highest cultural expression.

The museum’s permanent exhibition is a tribute to Fado and to its creators and performers and recounts the history of the genre beginning in 19th century Lisboa. As visitors go through the museum, they are invited to learn about the history of Fado from its genesis to today and to discover a vast collection of objects associated with Fado, including musical instruments, specialised publications, musical scores, trophies and costumes, among other objects.

Fado is indelibly associated with Lisboa and the Lisboan lifestyle, and the city’s traditional Fado houses are the best venues to experience this cultural manifestation of Portuguese sentiment.

Many establishments offer regular Fado shows with local resident performers. These Fado houses were traditionally located in the historic neighbourhoods of Alfama, Bairro Alto, Lapa and Alcântara, but nowadays they can be found throughout the city.

Places like Café Luso, Casa de Fado Marquês da Sé, Páteo de Alfama and Taverna d’el Rey are excellent choices for enjoying typical Portuguese cuisine to the sounds of Portuguese guitar music.

Museu do Fado
Largo do Chafariz de Dentro, 1
T. (+351) 218 823 470
www.museudofado.pt

Café Luso
Travessa da Queimada, 10
T. (+351) 213 422 281
www.cafeluso.pt

Casa de Fado Marquês da Sé
Largo Marquês do Lavradio, 1 A/B
T. (+351) 218 880 234

Páteo de Alfama
Rua São João Praça, 18
T. (+351) 218 822 174
www.pateodealfama.com

Taverna d’el Rey
Largo do Chafariz de Dentro, 15
T. (+351) 218 876 754
www.tavernadelrey.com

Source: Webletter Terreiro do Paço