(00351) 913 988 888

Mouraria

Mouraria, located in the heart of Lisbon, is one of the oldest and most authentic neighborhoods in the city. Renowned for its diverse cultural heritage and vibrant street life, it’s a captivating destination for affluent visitors or investors interested in a unique slice of Lisbon’s real estate market.

Historical Significance & Location

Rooted in deep history, Mouraria gets its name from the Moors who resided here after the Christian reconquest in the 12th century. The district is bounded by the castle hill above and downtown Baixa below, providing a breathtaking view of the city. Mouraria is a veritable open-air museum, revealing layers of history in its winding alleyways and squares.

Investment Opportunities & Lifestyle

As one of the last neighborhoods in Lisbon to undergo gentrification, Mouraria offers an array of investment opportunities, particularly in real estate rehabilitation. Prices per square meter range from €4,000 to €6,500 in 2023, with a promising appreciation rate. Furthermore, Mouraria is culturally rich, offering a mosaic of cuisines, traditions, and music – notably Fado, Portugal’s melancholic and soulful music genre.

Connectivity & Amenities

Mouraria is well connected with the rest of the city, with the Martim Moniz metro station and several bus lines facilitating easy access. The district has a variety of amenities, including the Hospital de São José and several schools. It also hosts an assortment of restaurants, featuring Portuguese and international cuisines, local shops, and traditional markets, like Mercado de Fusão, a cultural and gastronomic hub.

The Attraction Factor

Mouraria offers a plethora of sights for the history and culture lover. Among its highlights are the Castle of São Jorge, offering a panoramic view of Lisbon, and the Convento da Graça, an ancient monastery with a charming viewpoint. For Fado enthusiasts, the Museu do Fado and many local taverns where you can listen to live performances are essential stops.

Main Arteries & Squares

The principal streets of Mouraria include Rua da Mouraria, Rua Capelão, and Rua Cavaleiros. These narrow, winding streets are teeming with life and local businesses. Martim Moniz Square, at the lower end of the district, is a multicultural hub with an outdoor market and food stalls from around the world.

Prostitution and Social Evolution in Mouraria

Delving into Mouraria’s past reveals its complex and colorful societal evolution, including a period when the district was known for its brothels. From the 15th century, Mouraria, with its labyrinthine streets and peripheral location, was designated as an area where these establishments could legally operate.

In the Middle Ages, following the Christian reconquest, Mouraria, primarily inhabited by non-Christians, began to acquire a marginalized reputation. This perception influenced its transformation into a red-light district. Prostitution, not considered a crime in Portugal until the late 19th century, was nonetheless regulated, with specific areas of the city sanctioned for brothels.

Mouraria’s history with prostitution contributes to its layered narrative but does not define it today. The district has undergone significant regeneration and gentrification in recent years, transforming historical buildings into contemporary spaces. Today, Mouraria stands as a symbol of multicultural diversity, historic richness, and a deep-rooted association with Fado music, distancing itself from the shadows of its past.

Exclusive to Mouraria

Mouraria is known as the birthplace of Fado music, a unique cultural heritage that imbues the neighborhood with an unforgettable charm. The house where the first renowned Fado singer, Maria Severa, once lived, is still standing, now as a small museum.
From a real estate perspective, Mouraria has unique appeal as it is one of the last areas in central Lisbon where investors can find authentic, historic properties ripe for renovation and a vibrant cultural scene that promises to boost the district’s attractiveness and value over the coming years. It’s a tantalizing opportunity for anyone interested in owning a piece of Lisbon’s rich and diverse history, with the bonus of a potentially excellent return on investment.

Santa Maria Maior

Santa Maria Maior is Baixa's and surroudings parish Santa Maria Maior is a parish in the historic heart of Lisbon, Portugal. The area is a blend of old-world charm and modern influences, offering various districts with distinct characteristics catering to tourists,...

read more

Misericórdia

Misericórdia is a civil parish located in the historical and cultural heart of Lisbon. For further details about this area, please refer to the dedicated articles on the neighborhoods of Misericórdia Parish: Bairro Alto: an area famous for its bohemian atmosphere and...

read more

São Vicente

São Vicente, Lisbon São Vicente is a parish located in the south eastern part of Lisbon, known for Graça neighborhood and its historic residential areas that feature homes with traditional Portuguese architecture in narrow streets, the Panteão Nacional (17th-century...

read more

Chiado

Chiado, Lisbon Chiado in Lisbon is a historic and cultural district renowned for its blend of neoclassical architecture, high-end shops, cafes, and a rich literary and artistic heritage, considered a must-visit place in Lisbon In Chiado, you can expect to find a...

read more

Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto • the nightlife neighbourhood in Lisbon Bairro Alto, located in a top hill of Lisbon, is a renowned bohemian neighborhood famous for its vibrant nightlife. This area is characterized by an abundance of bars, restaurants, and fado houses, offering a diverse...

read more

Bica

Bica, located in the heart of Lisbon, is a vibrant neighborhood best known for its iconic funicular, the Bica Elevator. Combining its historic roots with a modern and bohemian lifestyle, it presents an alluring destination for wealthy visitors or investors interested...

read more

Príncipe Real

Príncipe Real, an upscale neighborhood located north of Bairro Alto, is known for its charming historic architecture, culinary delights, trendy boutiques, beautiful gardens, and antique shops. Its rich history, sophisticated atmosphere, and potential for investment...

read more

Cais do Sodré

Cais do Sodré, a historically rich neighborhood of Lisbon, combines its vibrant maritime past with a trendy and modern atmosphere. Notable for its riverfront location, vibrant nightlife, and prime real estate, this dynamic neighborhood is an attractive choice for...

read more

São Bento

São Bento, a charming neighborhood in Lisbon, perfectly represents the city's traditional allure while offering lucrative investment opportunities and sophisticated living. Known for its historical buildings, the Portuguese Parliament, and the antique stores lining...

read more

Estrela

Estrela • district of Lisbon - Portugal Estrela is a parish is a parish in Lisbon known predominantly for its cultural districts and luxury areas, falling under the Historic Center Zone of the capital city. Covering an area of 4.60 square kilometers and hosting a...

read more

Campo de Ourique

Campo de Ourique is a parish situated towards the western-central part of the city. It's a well-known area that features traditional residential area, design like the american square neighbourhoods, that have evoluted to incorporate some commercial areas, making it...

read more

Alfama

Alfama • Lisbon neighbourhood, Portugal Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, with its origins dating back to the year 1200. Situated on the top of a hill, the district is divided between two parishes: part of it belongs to Santa Maria Maior (where the Lisbon...

read more

Castelo

Bairro do Castelo, a historic neighborhood resting atop one of Lisbon's seven hills, boasts a deep-rooted history intertwined with Portugal's monarchy. Characterized by its narrow, winding streets and unparalleled panoramic views, the district is a treasure trove for...

read more

Graça

Graça, perched atop one of Lisbon's seven hills, is a captivating neighborhood known for its traditional charm, panoramic viewpoints, and historic sites. Its alluring combination of unique character, cultural richness, and real estate opportunities make it a...

read more

Penha de França

Penha de França, Lisbon Penha de França is situated towards the eastern part of Lisbon, primarily characterized by residential structures, making it a mainly residential zone. It offers a range of housing options, from traditional apartments to modern condominiums....

read more