Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Executioner Patio


Alfama, Lisbon
The last executioner has allegedly lived here (last execution in Portugal took place in 1845).
Alfama is the oldest and most typical Lisbon neighbourhood. The origin of its name is the arabic word Al-hamma meaning bathes or fountains. The Moorish were expelled after the conquest of the city by the first portuguese king, Afonso I, in the 12th century.
The neighbourhood survived the earthquake in 1755 and due to its high location it was not hit by the tsunami.
The architecture in this photo is what we would have seen back in the 16th century.

26 comments:

Rob Siemann said...

Nice shot, so typical of the Alfama.

AB said...

I am reading The Ornament of the World at the moment. The Christians took a long time to recoup the glory of the Muslim empire, and, at least from the perspective of Córdoba and Grenada, it is doubtful if the ever did.

Dina said...

Looks familiar.
Do the present tenants not mind living in the hangman's house?
I'm glad the only thing hanging now is laundry.

Sylvia K said...

Another fascinating bit of history, JM! Great capture!

Sylvia

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Beautiful slice of life, historical photo. I love the story but even without the background, the photo has much going on -- great color accents too!

Cezar and Léia said...

Tanta historia nesse lugar!
Adorei a foto!
E quero mais uma vez agradecer sua amizade e o carinho que você sempre coloca nos seus comentários!Valeu mesmo!
*** valeu é uma gíria do Brasil, tipo "muito obrigada"! :)
Abraços
Léia

Sharon said...

I love this photo! there is so much interesting detail here. The green door, the red covered table and plants, the open door above, and most of all that wonderful clothes line across the courtyard! Wonderful stuff!

this too will pass said...

superb shot

B SQUARED said...

There must not have been a lot of crime in that neighborhood when he lived there.

Gine said...

On a l'impression d'entrer dans le patio... Très belle photo !

Halcyon said...

A beautiful scene. It seems to be a cheerful place. I guess the job of the former occupants has been forgotten.

Kate said...

What a picturesque courtyard. All the colours draw one to the photo. Interesting story, too.

Judy said...

A peek into a private world is always so interesting. Good information too. This shot is so great with the way you have framed it.

VP said...

A picturesque courtyard. I remember they did some kind of curbside cooking when I was there...

irinapictures said...

In Georgia (my fathers' land) the inhabitants-neighbors of such small yards are very close and live the lives as one big family. These drying clothes lines reminded me this. No secrets.

cieldequimper said...

1845? Wow, I'm ashamed about the guillotine being used well into the XXth century...
I like glimpses into the past like this one, thanks JM!

joo said...

It's what I like so much - patios and backyars! Terrific photo JM.

jennyfreckles said...

What a contrast to yesterday. The doors look so small, like you'd have to bend down to go in. I love the way you framed this photo in the arch.

Mirela said...

Heh, a very familiar sight... :) Drying laundry on the balconies (ie. in places visible from the street) has been banned in Zagreb, so you can only see it in private gardens or hidden corners. It reminds me of some other time...

Joan Elizabeth said...

Beautifully framed shot and a lovely balance of colour and interest. A delight.

T. Becque said...

Sublime. I love the photo, architecture, and history.

Randy said...

What an amazing place with an interesting history. I love the colors and the laundry hanging out to dry. It's just so beautiful. Have a wonderful weekend!

Small City Scenes said...

Interesting that it has stood the test of time--again and again. The colors sure brighten it up. MB

Francisca said...

I like charming patios like this a lot. Not sure I'd want to live with the memory of the hangman every day, though. Lovely shot, JM.

James said...

Beautiful shot!

Gunn said...

Fantastic!
Where REAL LIFE is happening!!