On the right bank of the Douro River, a few kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal's second largest city is the beautiful Porto. The Portuguese city dates back to 300 BC, when Proto-Celtic tribes settled on the territory of the future city. Today, the historic center of Porto is a World Cultural Heritage Site, so we set off for Portugal to see the main attractions of Porto and visit the beautiful places of the ancient city.
1
Ponti de Don Luis I
A unique bridge stretches over the waters of the beautiful Douro River, connecting Porto with the small town of Vila Nova di Gaya. The uniqueness of the structure is that it is railway, automobile and pedestrian at the same time.
The bridge was erected according to the project of one of the students of the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel in 1886, and named after King Louis I. The lower tier of the bridge connects one of the Porto districts with wine cellars, and the upper one is designed to move trains.
The bridge has become a unique calling card of Porto, and its image can be found on port labels.
We hasten to recall that most-beauty.ru has a very interesting article about the most beautiful bridges in the world with illustrations.
2
Clerigos
The highest church tower in the country for many years served as a kind of guide for ships entering the harbor of Porto. And they built the church in the 30-50s of the XVIII century for the brotherhood of clerics.
The magnificent Baroque building is visible from anywhere in the city, and is rightfully considered its symbol. In 1763, a tall bell tower decorated with the faces of saints was built near the church.
On the sixth floor there is an observation deck, accessed by a spiral staircase of 223 steps. The site offers magnificent views of the city and its surroundings, and you can even see the parking lot in the city port.
3
Sao Bento Station
In the XVI century, on the site where the building of the railway station now stands, a monastery was built, from which the historical station got its name.
The monastery was damaged by fire, and in 1900, the first stone in the foundation of the station was laid by King Carlos I. In 1916, São Bento received its first passengers.
One of the most visited places by tourists, so on the station walls there is a unique tiled mosaic, which depicts the most important events of Portuguese history.
We already wrote about this station on the pages most-beauty.ru in an article about the most beautiful stations in the world.
4
Church of St. Francis
In the historical part of Porto is the most famous city church, founded in 1233, and consecrated in honor of St. Francis.
The building in the Gothic style was finally built only in 1400, but the interior of the beautiful church was made in the Baroque style in the 18th century.
The main facade is decorated with a large stained-glass window-socket, and the internal elements and the altar are covered with carved gilded wood. Of particular note is the altar, where the famous "Jesse's Tree" is displayed, depicting the genealogy of Christ.
5
Episcopal Palace
It is not known for certain the time of the construction of the residence of the Portuguese bishops, but in 1387 its walls witnessed the wedding of King Juan I and the beautiful Philippa of Lancaster.
Until the XIX century, it was the residence of the bishops, and today it is one of the most beautiful buildings in Porto. A major reconstruction took place in the 18th century, and the building acquired new features in the Baroque and Rococo style.
Due to lack of funds, the reconstruction dragged on for a long time, but under the strict guidance of Bishop Raphael de Mendons, the work was completed. For his services, the bishop was honored that his coat of arms is now depicted on the balcony of the main facade of the palace.
6
Town Hall
The construction of the six-story city hall began in 1920, but only in 1957 did a beautiful building rise above the Porto neighborhoods, which housed the municipality.
The original design was significantly changed, but even with a cut budget, the building turned out to be majestic and monumental. The top of the tower is decorated with chimes to which a 180-step staircase leads.
The facade of the building is decorated with sculptures of prominent historical figures. Shady alleys are laid in the courtyards, and an artificial pond is made at the main facade.
7
Ribeira Square
The oldest square in the historical part of the city is mentioned in documents of the XIV century, and today it is one of the most beautiful and largest squares in Portugal.
In the Middle Ages there was a market adjacent to the marina, because its name literally translates as “Coastal Square”. Like other areas of the city, the square suffered from a big fire, and at the beginning of the XIX century a new square was built here.
At the end of the last century, archaeological research of the area was carried out, during which a unique fountain of the 17th century and many artifacts of the Middle Ages were discovered.
8
Cathedral
One of the oldest buildings in Porto, as well as a vivid example of the Romanesque style in Portuguese architecture.
Under the auspices and direct participation of Bishop Hugo, the construction of the magnificent cathedral began in 1110, and at the beginning of the 13th century he already received his first parishioners.
The cathedral is located in the middle of two monumental towers, crowned with domes. In 1333, a chapel made in the Gothic style was added to the main building of the cathedral.
9
Church of St. Clara
The church was specially built for the nuns of the Franciscan Clarisse, and was named after the founder of the order, Clara of Assisi. Starting in 1212, this order became the female branch of the famous Order of the Franciscan Monks.
Despite the discreet simple facade. The Church of St. Clara has a luxurious and rich interior. The interior of the church is decorated with magnificent ornaments and gilded wooden panels.
The walls and ceiling are painted by the famous artist Miguel Francisco da Silva, which makes the religious building even more attractive for tourists.
10
Lello Bookstore
Not every city has such an attraction, and the old bookstore “Lello and Sons” is the place where everyone who comes to Porto should visit.
One of the most beautiful shops in the world was founded by two brothers in 1869, and the elegant interior is decorated in the Art Nouveau style. In the center of the building is a luxurious twisted wooden staircase, and between the bookshelves there is a small track along which shoppers move the carts.
The store has a wide selection of books by Portuguese and world authors, as well as many reference and historical literature.
11
Modern Art Museum
Not far from the city center, in the Serralves manor, is the building of the Museum of Modern Art, built according to a unique project by architect Alvara Siz Vieira.
The museum opened its first exhibition in 1999, and now it exhibits exhibits of masterpieces of world art since 1968. On a huge area there are 14 galleries, and the building itself is surrounded by a magnificent park.
After the reconstruction of the main building, a large auditorium appeared in it, and those who wish can visit the library, which contains rare and unique books and art catalogs.
12
Church of St. Ildefonso
Since the XIII century, on the site of this beautiful church, built in the Baroque style, there was a chapel. But by 1730 it was completely destroyed, and the city authorities decided to build a church.
Inside the church, visitors can admire the magnificent retablo, but the facade is decorated with exquisite tiles depicting scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso.
In the middle of the twentieth century, large-scale restoration work was carried out in the church, and it again appeared before tourists in a new bright light.
13
Guimaraes Castle
The unique structure has long attracted the attention of researchers, and recent excavations have shown that these territories were conquered from the Arabs in the IX century, during the terrible period of the Reconquista.
The first owner of a stern castle with high walls was Count Diogo Fernandes. It was he and his daughter who became the founders of the urban settlement, which is now located near Porto.
The castle in its history has repeatedly passed from hand to hand, rebuilt, and after a major restoration opened its massive gate for visitors.
14
Botanical Garden
You can’t ignore the magnificent Botanical Garden, in which rare plants grow.
Among its shady alleys, you can not only relax perfectly on your own, but also learn a lot in the field of botany, accompanied by a guide. The church owned the garden for many years, but then it passed into the hands of secular owners, and prominent cultural figures of Portugal lived here, including the famous poetess Sofia de Mello Brainer
In 1951, the University bought the garden, and began to use it for electives, and as an experimental site.
15
Crystal Palace Park
The most visited park in Porto is located around a unique exhibition hall, and has become a favorite vacation spot for locals and visitors.
It is noteworthy that the park was opened in 1865, when the World Exhibition was held in the city. The Crystal Palace itself no longer exists, but the name of the park has been preserved.
The garden and park zone is replete with magnificent landscapes, and also with its alley a beautiful panoramic view of the Douro River opens.
16
House of Music
Porto also has masterpieces of modern architectural art, among which it is worth noting the original building of the House of Music. The House of Music opened its halls to visitors in 2005.
The building has two magnificent halls, one designed for 1,500 seats, the second, a little smaller, only 350 seats. There are also rooms for chamber listening to music.
Architect Rem Koolhaas took care of the convenience of visitors and passers-by. Huge windows are built into the building, which allows you to watch the concert from the street, so that the culture becomes closer to the people.
17
Port Museum
We already wrote about the best wines, and now we’ll tell you about a unique museum, which presents the history of winemaking in Portugal, and most importantly - the history of the production of port.
It was founded in 2004. Portugal has long been famous for this alcoholic drink, and in the halls of the museum you can taste the best types of Portuguese port.
The museum is located in a medieval building, and recently conducted archaeological excavations that have long existed in this place wine-making workshops.
18
Funicular
You can view the beautiful Portuguese city from a bird's eye view from the Teleferico de Gaia cable car.
From the cabin of the panoramic funicular you can enjoy magnificent views of both banks of the river, wine cellars, majestic city buildings and temples. The total length of the funicular is 281 m, which makes it one of the longest among this type of public transport.
The end point is the beautiful promenade of Cais di Gaia, where there are many souvenir shops and cafes where a menu of traditional national dishes is presented.
19
Bols Palace
We will complete our route at the Exchange building, or as noted in the tourist guides of the Palacio da Bolsa.
Previously, the building belonged to a Catholic monastery, but was damaged by a fire. In 1841, Queen Mary II transferred the rest to merchants, and also donated funds for its restoration.
The construction work, which began in 1842, was finally completed in 1910, and today the Bolsa Palace is an architectural monument, each of the halls of which has its own special purpose and unique architectural interior.
20
Majestic cafe
You will immediately notice the sparkling pearl light of this coffee shop with a distinctive Art Nouveau-style façade of undulating motifs and lush masonry. The atmosphere inside is permeated with the vintage spirit of the 1920s. The luxurious interior features original carved wooden chairs and marble tables that give the cafe a delightfully bohemian flavor.
Wall graphics are sets of huge Flemish mirrors that reflect the evocative nature of the time. This is the most famous cafe in Porto and one of the most historical in Europe. The cafe is also famous for its pastries, be sure to try the French toast with creamy egg cream, topped with dried fruit. Children will especially enjoy this treat when they learn that the author of the dish is Joan Rowling, who worked on the project of her first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, while sipping coffee in this cafe at a table near the entrance.
21
Old tram
This amazing city has its own moving attraction - a real old tram, which has been restored for the benefit of tourists. Its route runs through the historic center of Porto and the promenade. A leisurely tram excursion can give you a ton of new experiences and you will see the city from the other side.
21
Aliados Alley
The vibrant atmosphere of modern Porto can be found while strolling along this wide double alley, whose name is “Avenida dos Aliados”. Situated on both sides of the shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants will delight every tourist. Aliados is also a bustling commercial center of the city.
By the way, you can find out about the most beautiful streets in the world in this article.
So we presented a photo and description of the sights of the magnificent city of Porto, and also visited the interesting places of one of the most ancient cities of the Iberian Peninsula.
It should be noted that many historical and architectural monuments are listed on the World Heritage List under the patronage of UNESCO.
Article author: Valery Skiba