|
|
Porto is a historic and varied city, from the warren of narrow streets that make up the ancient Ribeira district through to the grand plazas of the Avenida dos Aliados. The region is famed for the production of Port, which is still stored in the vast cellars that stretch along the banks of the mighty Douro River.
The Ribeira district
The oldest district of the city which is filled with ancient houses, narrow cobbled streets and numerous family owned restaurants, cafes and bars keeping the old architecture and structure.
There is no clear way or path to follow. As always the best way to apprciate this type of area is to put your map and guide in the bag and just wandering around.
The city is divided into 2 parts, that can be easly reached using the "Luiz I" bridge
the top of the bridge can be reached using the cableway or the stairs
and from the top you can enjoy a nice view of the city and even have a look the the ocean
Both sides of the river can be "crossed" using the Gaia teleferico
Video
The south bank is famous fot the production of the Oporto wine. It is amazing how the weather changed so quickly!!!
The wine is still made in the old way ( there is actually a new way of doing wine?!??!) and kept in the old barrel. It is plenty of Port cellar and port tasting tours, however, I am not a big fan of wine and alcohol so I skipped this part. It was too hot too!!!
The north bank is plenty of small restaurants and caffetteria, where you can enjoy good local food. However, I found a bit crowdy for me
This part of the city is the oldest, with medieval walls and churches. As mentioned before , I was just wandering around without any plan, and I ended in the The Igreja de São Francisco.
Unfotunatelly, despite the ticket, you are not allowed to take photos inside.
and just on the back the "Case do enfante", which is a moedrn art museum now.
Strolling the Oporto cobblestone streets somehow feels more Portuguese than Lisbon. This might have something to do with the charming old facades, the less glowing locals and the abandoned buildings in the middle of the city.
Porto is about embracing the flawed, celebrating the imperfect fairy tale… And the sad, colorful facades can make your heart melt as much as the old people perching over the 18th century windows, curious about the travelers wandering their streets.
Perched on a hilltop standing watch over the city, the Porto Cathedral (known as the Sé) was originally built between the 12th and 13th centuries, and features a variety of architectural styles, including Romanesque, baroque and gothic. The fortress-like church is the largest in the city and one of Porto's oldest monuments; it's flanked by twin towers and has a rather plain stone facade.
But inside the Sé you'll find a beautiful stained-glass rose window, a collection of centuries-old sculptures and a silver altarpiece that was once used as the bishop's study. Meanwhile, the cloister boasts cobalt and white ceramic tiles that depict different scenes from religious history. Most travelers say visiting the church and cloister is absolutely worth an hour or two, noting that the exterior is remarkable but the interior is exquisite.
From here you can enjoy a nice view of the city, with the typical red roofs.
If you are a Harry Potetr fan, I am sure you know the famous Lello & Irmão Bookstore, one most beautiful library in the world.
No doubt the library is beautiful, with an excellent neo-gothic façade, where you can see two figures painted by José Bielman, representing the Science and the Art. This facade is only surpassed by its stunning interior, designed by Xavier Esteves. However, if you hope to enjoy the place, better you run away. Is packed with people and you hope to take a nice photo, forget about it!!!
These photos are not mine
|
|