With its alleys (becos) cut by steps, Alfama has preserved the layout it had before the earthquake and renovation has not spoiled the original character of this quarter with an Arabic name: al-hama means fountain and refers to the hot springs in Largo das Alcaçarias. Roman presence is visible in the ruins of the 1BC Roman theatre, situated in Rua da Saudade as well as in the excavations inside the cathedral.