Casa-Museu Amália Rodrigues
NileGuide Expert Says:
A must-see for fans of the great diva and those with an interest in fado music.
Address:
Rua de São Bento 193
1250-219 Lisbon, Portugal
Phone:
+351 (0)21 397 1896
NileGuide Expert tip:
Check out the creative graffiti along the road.
Description:
Amália Rodrigues (1920-1999) was the leading exponent of
fado, Portugal's version of the blues for over 50 years, and remains very much in the national psyche. The music is a soulful expression of longing and sorrow – in Portugal, the emotional concept known as saudade. The humble town house in which she was born is a site of pilgrimage for her many fans and has been refurbished into a museum in celebration of her life and achievements. It's also the headquarters of a charitable foundation established in singer's name. The street itself sings her praise, daubed in parts with graffiti announcing it as "Rua Amália". Short tours in Portuguese, French and English take in portraits, personal items including stage costumes and recordings and videotapes of her performances. Those from the 1950s and 1960s are especially poignant.
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