Living Out of a Suitcase: Doing the Electric Boogaloo to Medieval Castles

Next was a visit to Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon. To get there we hopped on the 28 elétrico or 28 Electric tram. These trams were imported in 1901 from the United States to replace horse drawn carriages as the prime mode of transportation in Lisbon. While the rest of public transportation has been revamped—and quite nicely I might add —these little relics have endured as both a tourist attraction and a piece of local history. It's one of the secrets of Lisbon (it wasn't in any of my guidebooks). It’s only €1.30 and the 45 minute ride takes you through the gorgeous historical district and back in time. If you’re lucky to go in June, you’ll get to experience Portuguese fado singers accompanying passengers along the route. One tip though, hold on when the tram comes to a stop. Brakes from 1901 don’t provide for the smoothest—or quietest— journey.

The 28 elétrico

The hills of Lisbon

The long and winding road

A peak inside the electric (apologies for the fuzziness)

That day we got off at the entrance to Castelo São Jorge (Castle of St. George), a castle built on the largest hill overlooking Alfama. The castle dates back to before the Middle Ages. It was used to force the Moors out of Lisbon during the Siege of Lisbon in 1147. After that it became the Royal Palace and was the site of a reception for Vasco da Gama which celebrated his discovery of a maritime route to India (thereby starting the spice trade and empire building. This era would be one of the richest periods in Portugal's history).