Porto
A place by the grand River Douro, ‘O Porto’, meaning ‘The Port’…….. is Portugal’s 2nd largest city and known as the ‘capital’ of the North. Famous for it’s sweet Port wine, Oporto’s wine lodges opened their doors to the public in the 1960s. Most of them stand on the ‘Gaia’ hillside with their world-famous names, advertised in giant neon signs……. names like ’Sandeman’ and ‘Cockburn’, which will be familiar to the British! Indeed, they all offer free tastings and guided tours, so it is no wonder that they have become the most sought after tourist attraction of the city.
The ‘Soul of Porto’ otherwise known as ‘Cais da Ribeira’ is a maze of narrow, winding ‘Medieval’ streets and alleyways that come alive, especially at night with buzzing cafés, bars, and seafood restaurants, leading to the riverfront square known as the “Praça da Ribeira” This is the most picturesque spot in the city with it’s colourful array of ancient houses, overlooking the quayside…….. and this too has been declared a ‘World Heritage Site’ by UNESCO.
Visit the 18th Century ‘Stock Exchange’. This Baroque palace is full of fascinating carvings and most notably remembered for its Arabian Hall.
Interior design lovers will enjoy the Romantic Museum of ‘Quinta da Macieirinha’ which is a replica of a house which once belonged to the aristocrats of the city in the 19th century.
The Military Museum in Porto contains an impressive collection of weapons, equipment, uniforms and heavy artillery which date from the 16th to the middle of the 20th century. There is also a collection of miniature soldiers which show the development of warfare from ancient times to modern day.
The Dom Luis 1 Bridge over the River Douro, constructed in 1881, is an impressive sight, with it’s arch a staggering 45metres high.
Of course as you would expect Porto is also home to a variety of historic buildings, monuments and museums and in 1996 UNESCO recognised Porto’s ‘Historic Centre’ as a World Heritage Site. Amongst the architectural highlights of the city is the oldest surviving structure……. ‘Oporto Cathedral’ which was completed in the 13th Century and it is one of the most important ‘Romanesque’ monuments in Portugal.The external appearance of the Cathedral was altered significantly during Baroque times as was the interior. In one of the chapels there is a magnificent silver Altar which was built in the second half of the 17th century by Portuguese artists. Other notable buildings worth a visit include Sâo Francisco Church, Serralves Museum and Clerigos Tower.
This is just a small sample of what Porto has to offer. Around two and a half hours by car from Casa Rosden……..or why not take a stress free train ride to Porto from nearby Entroncamento station.
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