Saturday, July 9, 2011

Bairro Alto


It took just about a decade (1980's-1990's) to this humble old neighbourhood in Lisbon with a bad reputation become the most fashionable place in town. If you're looking for some great contrasts - really cool trendy shops, art galleries, bars, restaurants, etc., side by side with still surviving small grocery stores and tabernas (dirty old pubs for local people) - this is where you want to go, but avoid weekend nights, it's absolutely crowded. 

27 comments:

brattcat said...

this is a neighborhood that looks as if it deserved new life pumped into it. love this shot, jm, and the story of rebirth.

Lowell said...

It always amazes me how quickly a place like this can turn around and become something new and exciting rather than old and dangerous.

I like the way you composed this. Especially with the hanging clothes. :-)

Dina said...

And the red shirt fashion only adds to the neighborhood's fashion status.

Leif Hagen said...

I love the iron balconies and the old world feel of this view!
BTW, the gift I sent him was a Minnesota photo book of the Twin Cities > Minneapolis & St. Paul.
bon weekend

Sylvia K said...

I feel exactly the same as brattcat, JM, terrific capture, lovely looking neighborhood and I'm so glad it has been "reborn"! I do hate to see places like this wasted by neglect and the wrong crowd of people. Hope your weekend is going well! Enjoy!

Sylvia

Anonymous said...

Pretty scene.

Sharon said...

Sounds like a place I'd like to visit. I really like this shot. I love those clothes hanging out to dry.

Birdman said...

Fabulous image. Wish I had shot it. Jealous! hahaha

Kate said...

You captured so much of daily life in this photo: cars, relaxing resident, laundry, satellite dish...wonderful image.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

We have areas here too JM that are really old, but so expensive and just the address to have..Love the white buildings, looks good!!

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

Great shot; it really gives the feel of the neighborhood and why it made such a turn around. Love the ironwork.

Darryl and Ruth :)

T. Becque said...

This happens a lot in the states too, I think it's almost trendy now to turn the "ick" place into the "it" place. Your description of "tabernas" made me laugh! (Sounds like an interesting spot to photograph too... :)

VP said...

Some neighborhood change in a few year, this looks like a very charming one.

Sebab said...

The houses looks really fashionable! It has the blend of both moderns and old look.

Cruise Pictures

Gunn said...

Superb!

Wish I could rent the flat with the balcony, for a week or two) The one next to the clothes...

Karl said...

Great photo of this interesting place!

cieldequimper said...

Super composition. This is how I imagine Lisbon to be.

theconstantwalker said...

Your buildings are beautiful...
Your images of them are fantastic.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Love the balconies and imagining the re-birth of the area. It sounds like the place to be!

Bises,
Genie

Jack said...

You show an alive neighborhood, with lots of energy. This is what I might imagine as a typical city neighborhood in your country.

Randy said...

I want to live there!

LadyFi said...

It looks charming!

Joan Elizabeth said...

Interesting you should mention contrasts. I was thinking when I looked at the image how much I like the light and shade in this shot.

Joanne said...

Que gira esta imagem:))

Cezar and Léia said...

Esse bairro é muito legal! Linda foto!
Léia

Francisca said...

The Soho of Lisbon. Nice. Hope it survives the current economic crisis.

Crafty Green Poet said...

sounds like a great neighbourhood, the two photos are excellent