One of the oldest and most typical quarters of Lisbon, Alfama is often described as a village within a city. An ideal district to explore by foot, with its many medieval narrow streets, squares and churches. The Moors gave the district its atmosphere and name (alhama means springs or bath, a reference to the hot springs found in the area). They were also responsible for its web of streets created as a defense system, while at the same time enabling their homes to remain cool in the summer.