Where Fado prays. Experience dinner and traditional Portuguese music in an 18th-century chapel.
An extraordinary journey through centuries of music and devotion at Mesa de Frades begins where faith once echoed. This 18th-century Royal Chapel in the heart of Alfama has witnessed history unfold from its sacred walls.
This chapel, named for Largo de D. Rosa, carries the memory of Portuguese nobility and Alfama's resilient soul. Deconsecrated after the great earthquake, it was repurposed for survival—first as a charcoal warehouse, its treasures hidden under paint, then as a tavern. There, the first notes of Fado took hold, making it possibly the world's oldest uninterrupted Fado venue. Restored in 2017 to its original two-story layout and centuries-lost tiles, it now lives as Mesa de Frades: an authentic encounter with Portuguese culture.
Legend has it that Dona Rosa, of Spanish origin, was the owner of this Palace and the mistress of the King of Portugal, D. José I. After the 1755 earthquake, the King ordered the reconstruction of the Palace and the chapel, preserving the original azulejo tile panels that adorn our walls today.
A soulful performer whose deep, textured voice captures the "saudade" and dramatic nuance of modern Fado.
An emerging talent whose singing is characterized by a natural grace and a deep, intuitive connection to the lyrics.
A dedicated musician praised for his precision and his ability to weave intricate melodic textures behind the fadista's voice.
A prolific performer and mentor who has spent decades defending the traditional roots while launching new talent.
A master of the instrument who balances tradition with a vibrant, improvisational style that defines the modern Fado sound.
A visionary musician and flutist who famously explored the deep, spiritual connections between Fado and Eastern melodies.
A respected regular of Lisbon’s most prestigious Fado houses, known for her technical precision and classic phrasing.
One of Fado's most celebrated contemporary voices. From a family of fadistas, she represents the new generation carrying forward the Fado tradition.
Amália’s sister and a legend in her own right, she spent seven decades embodying the soulful, authentic heart of Lisbon.
Known as the "Gypsy of Fado," she is famous for her powerful, temperamental delivery and deep emotional intensity.
A leading voice of her generation who balances a respect for classical structures with a bright, contemporary clarity.
A master of the Alentejo influence within Fado, praised for his rigorous vocal technique and profound storytelling.
Possessing a robust and traditional timbre, she is revered for her command of "Fado Castiço" and popular appeal.
Part of a legendary Fado dynasty, his smooth, polished baritone makes him one of the most sophisticated stylists of the genre.
A powerhouse vocalist who lives and breathes the Alfama tradition, known for her raw authenticity and vibrant stage presence.
Often called the "Hurricane of Fado," she possesses a heavy, traditional voice that bridge the gap between grit and modern soul.
A pillar of "Fado Castiço," he brought an aristocratic elegance and a storied family lineage to the tradition.
60€
Recomended
70€
80€
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Portuguese Guitar (Domingos Cerqueira, 1970s): Belonged to guitarist José Nunes, with whom he recorded his most celebrated instrumental album.
The Heritage of Nobre Costa: A guitar by João Pedro Grácio (1997), the first professional guitar of Master José Luís Nobre Costa, gifted to Pedro de Castro to reward his musical independence.
Viola Baixo belonging to Professor Joel Pina, the world's first Fado bassist, with which he recorded hundreds of albums, including all albums by Amália Rodrigues.
R. dos Remédios 139, 1100-304 Lisboa
Telefone: +351 917 029 436
mesadefrades@gmail.com
