Rooftops and Above Alfama, Lisbon, 2024

I took this photograph in Alfama, Lisbon, looking across the neighbourhood’s terracotta rooftops and pale façades as a tall palm tree rose above the surrounding buildings. I was drawn to the contrast between the historic Portuguese architecture and the palm tree, which gives the scene a slightly unexpected, almost Mediterranean resort feel.

Afterwards, I edited the photograph to create a warmer mid-century-inspired look, softening the colours and giving the image a gently faded, nostalgic quality reminiscent of vintage European travel photography. I wanted to keep the character of Alfama while giving the finished piece a more stylised retro atmosphere.

This Lisbon cityscape combines several details I love about photographing Portugal: layered rooftops, sun-warmed architecture, soft blue skies, and the mixture of old-world streets with subtropical plants. It works well as Lisbon wall art, Portugal photography, mid-century décor, or a travel-inspired print for anyone drawn to Alfama, Portuguese architecture, Mediterranean cityscapes, and vintage European style.