FEIRA DA LADRA
Lisbon's Flea Market
Lisbon's flea market is called locally the Feira da Ladra, often thought to mean "Thieve's Market" (in Portuguese "ladra" is a woman thief) but it actually derives from "ladro," a bug found in antiques. A market of this type is thought to have
been in place in Lisbon since the 12th Century and the name Feira da Ladra was first mentioned in the 17th Century.
Today, the traders here are perfectly legal, many of them gypsies showing their wares in the Campo de Santa Clara street, in the district of Alfama. The market starts
at the Arco de São Vicente, an arch near where the famous
Tram 28 stops.
From the market, the impressive
Santa Engracia Church, or the National Pantheon, can be seen standing proudly just a short walk away
(see photo).
The market is held every Tuesday and Saturday, from dawn to dusk. A myriad of
small stalls sell all sorts of second-hand and new products, and other traders
simply display their store on a stretched-out blanket.
Hand-made artisan
goods, CD's, books, clothes, stamps, coins, military objects, antiques and furniture is all on display here, so the occasional bargain is still possible although
many of the stores now seem to cater exclusively to the tourists.
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How to Visit
Where: Campo de Santa Clara, Alfama
How: Tram 28
When: 6am to 5pm, Tuesdays and Saturdays
Sights Nearby
National Pantheon - Domed church containing tombs of several Portuguese presidents.
São
Vicente de Fora Church - A 16th century monastery with an exceptional tiled interior.
Graça Church
and Miradouro - A panoramic view to the castle and the city.
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