Rui Fonseca's photos

Pedro Alexandrino painted "Afonso I's vow" referring to the promise made by Portugal's first king (12th century): he'd build a church in the city of Lisbon if the Portuguese troops were able to conquer it. Chiado district

Few people know that "Barroque" comes from the Old Portuguese word "Barroco" which confirms the link between this style and Portuguese culture. Martyrs Church was built in 1765-84 during the period of transition from Barroque to Neoclassic and it's one of the architectural highlights of this period. Chiado district

Although destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, some parts of the Convent have survived. Carmo district

The importance of tile-work tradition in portuguese interiors is well seen here, in one of Carmo Convent's adjencies. Carmo district

Chiado is one of the liveliest districts of Lisbon and it's where 19th century can still be sensed in the athmosphere of the streets and places like cafés, old cinemas and theatres. Chiado was Lisbon's Vanity Fair, the place to see and especially to be seen, in those days. Like one of our greatest 19th-century writers Guerra Junqueiro once wrote: "If one wants to see the world, there are only two peaks for it: the Himalaias or Chiado".

A popular poet, Chiado used to sit in this part of the city that bears his nickname today. It is considered the most exquisite district of Lisbon.

Under the sky of Lisbon... 19th century atmosphere, I found you! At last! Chiado district

Chiado disctrict