I took these pictures late afternoon just before twilight when I arrived in Porto from my Douro River Valley Tour Trip. I was very happy to have arrived in dry Porto. Although my Douro trip was nice, it would have been spectacular if the weather cooperated.
Since I haven’t been to the Porto Cathedral, I decided to take a walk there before searching a restaurant for dinner. I knew I would see great views of the city because the cathedral sits on top of it.
Porto Cathedral and Porto Views
I started the walk from Liberdade Square to the direction of the beautiful Sao Bento Train Station and then to the Porto Cathedral just 200 metres ahead.
The Porto Cathedral was completed in 1737 and has an architectural style mix of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic. You can find more information here: Dioceso do Porto (Official website of the Cathedral) and Porto Cathedral (Wikipedia)
It seemed that church is closed, so I did not bother going inside. Compared to northern Europe, religion in southern Europe is still very much alive.
Vila Nova de Gaia Views
The area across Porto is technically another city called Vila Nova de Gaia. This is where Port wine is stored and aged in oak barrels. They call these Port Caves and many famous Port brands offer Port Cave Tours and Tasting. A definitely must stop when you are in town.
Walk down to the Riviera
Twilight is fast approaching, I better hurry down to the riverside which is called Cais da Ribeira. From the Porto Cathedral square you can follow the path leading to the riverside. Below are some pictures I took as I went down.
I came across a church called Igreja dos Grilos that is now a museum and theater. Porto is rustic, old, mysterious yet vastly charming.
It was really my plan to dine on the famous Porto’s Ribeira boulevard. It’s just that I don’t know where. I’m looking for a cool restaurant that will give me views to the Douro River.
Find out in my next entry.
Travel Period: March 2013
Destination: Porto (Grande Porto), Portugal
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)