He is the author of “Filosofia de Ponta”, “Guarda Abília”, “Zé Inocêncio”, “Tudo Isto é Fado” and many others, but his masterpiece is Violeta, his daughter, who “overshadows any personal accomplishment”. The famous author of comics, also a unique-style illustrator and professor in two art schools, still gives some time to the renovation cause of Mouraria, a quarter worth visiting because “the world lives in it”. Living in Pombalina downtown, Nuno Saraiva’s studio is in Santa Apolónia but he recommends Bairro Alto, in the morning, when it reminds us of medieval Genova; Alfama, in the afternoon, when blessed by Tagus’s mirrored light; and Mouraria, of course, appealing at all times.
Were you born in Lisbon? In which neighbourhood? I could have been born in Almada or Alfredo da Costa maternity hospital, but my family was founding partner of Socorros Mútuos (Mutual Aid), so I was born in the São Cristóvão clinic, in Mouraria.
Where do you live now? At the center of Baixa Pombalina (downtown), but I split my time between Santa Apolóna (Lisbon Studio) and Mouraria (volunteering at Renovar a Mouraria association)
How do you present the city those who don’t know it? A palpable paradise (depending on the hill)
Which are the neighbourhoods the visitor can’t miss? Bairro Alto in the morning (it’s calm and allows the discovery of the orthogonal layout of the streets, reminding of Medieval Genoa, and because it’s ugly and unbearable at night); Alfama in the afternoon (because it is blessed by the Tagus River light) and Mouraria any time of the day (because in there lives the World)
Complete the following sentences:
Only in Lisbon do I find… love, most of all, and in all.
A perfect day in Lisbon… is like discovering a new body sensation.
We can’t leave Lisbon without … being sure that Lisbon was born multicultural and still is. It’s neither Spain or Africa, but a charming mix.
Places that cannot be missed?
One Monument: Torre de Belém, a militar building unique in the world.
One museum/cultural space: The Museu da Cidade, to get an idea of the city before the 1755 earthquake (reproduced in a scale model).
One Garden: jardim da Graça/Mouraria.
One city view: the abandoned terrace of the ancient TavoraPalace, headquarters of the Mouraria Sports Group. A hidden gem stretching as far as the eye can see.
Best hotels? O Palácio Vila Flôr, in Alfama.
Best restaurants?
Author Cuisine: Jesus é Goês.
Portuguese Cuisine: Zé da Mouraria.
Fish and Seafood: Ramiro.
World Cuisine: A Mouradia.
“Petiscar”: Os Amigos da Severa.
Late Night Eats: Gambrinus croquettes.
To enjoy the view: Ponto Final, in Cacilhas, is seeig Lisbon at its best.
Best cafés and ice cream parlours: Café Capri and Olá stands.
Mandatory nightlife places? Mouradia, Sport Club do Intendente, Flamingo, Anos Sessenta, As Damas, in Voz do Operário street (which becomes a club after mdnight), Café Largo Intendente.
Best shopping adresses
Fashion: Bairro Alto, at the end of the morning.
Portuguese products: a stroll through Baixa, visiting shops like Casa da Borracha…
Gourmet / wine shops: Club del Gourmet.
Others: Feira da Ladra.
