Sheilaclapkin's Blog;

The Alfama in Lisbon (Lisboa) is one of the oldest sections of the city. The Jewish and Muslim people lived there in relative peace for centuries. When the Inquisition came to pass everything changed, as you know. We stopped to visit The Cathedral in the old section of the Alfama. I was struck by the fact that this huge CHURCH had the Star of David carved in front of the steps leading to The Cathedral. I asked our guide why the star was there and she said that at the time this was being built the Jews gave huge donations do its building fund in hopes of gaining favor and being allowed to stay in their homes. She said there are many, many churches and cathedrals with a Star of David found in various places on Churches to be seen by all who come. As we travel on to Spain we will see, according to Carmen, our guide, the etched and carved Star of David on the churches for ourselves.  So, in the meantime, here is a photo of the Great Cathedral in the Alfama, Lisboa towering up in its greatness and you can see the etched Star of David at the entrance I have provided here. If you know more, please share it.

On our visits in and around Lisbon today, our guide told us that it was very important to take a photo of yourself in front of The Tower of Lisbon, built in 1515 as proof that you were here. There is a saying that when you go to Paris, you must take your photo in front of the Eiffel Tower, when you are in London you prove your were there by taking a photo in front of the Tower of London, when you are in Sydney it is the Opera house and when in New York City you take a photo of yourself in front of the Statue of Liberty.  So we are here in Lisbon and you see proof as we have posed for a photo in front of The Tower of Lisbon.

We also visited in the same area Monument of Discovery.  This monument is dedicated to all of the Portuguese explorers who left from this spot on the Rio Tagus leading to the Atlantic Ocean during the Golden Age of Discovery.