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Abroad, Porto, Portugal

Falling in love with Porto

posted by Dario
May 12, 2020 364 0 0
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The adventure of being a Portuguese #Porto

There are two types of people in this world – one who adores the inimitable beauty of Lisbon and others who would not acknowledge the existence of anything better than Porto. The others who have not took any side … are just confused.

Porto

Jokes aside, but during the time I lived in Portugal, I listened to thousands of comments about these two cities, and not just. I won’t even forget that time when I was traveling in the Azores and a kind old lady spoke to me and it turned out she was from Porto and explained to me that Lisbon is really the prettiest city in Portugal, but in Porto, are the best and nicest people. Well, after these words it was impossible not to roll up my sleeves and not go to Porto to find out the truth for myself!

Porto streets

Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, is an important economic center of the country and the capital of the Norte region. But what distinguishes this city so much and its competition with the capital? Could it be that it borders the Atlantic Ocean, or does its location on the slopes of the Douro River make it unique? My answer is that all these factors makes it an interesting and different tourist destination that cannot be compared to another city.

Porto walk

So let’s head for our walk in Porto! Before I start my story, I want to share that my stay in Porto was 4 days, in each of them I took the train and went to another neighboring towm to enrich my tourist experience and knowledge about Portugal. Get ready to talk about in the following posts: Guimaraes, Braga and Aveiro, which are the other three treasures of tourism.

Porto tourism

  • São Bento
  • Ponte Luís I
  • Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
  • Igreja dos Clérigos
  • Livraria Lello
  • Walk through the streets of Porto

São Bento

One of the first attractions you will encounter is the Central Railway Station, city train station – Sao Bento. I have to admit that it is one of the most impressive train stations I have ever seen. The waiting room of the building is entirely covered by beautiful azulejos, depicting various historical events as well as landscapes from Portugal. Trivia in numbers: It took 11 years and 20,000 tiles to transform this art room.

São Bento

Ponte Luís I

The Louis I Bridge is a two-story metal arch bridge that spans the Douro River between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. When it was built, its 172-meter span was the longest of its kind in the world.

bridge Ponte Luís I by night
bridge Ponte Luís I by day

You can walk on both levels, which gives you different types of views opening up in front of you. The lower level is for cars and the upper level is for the subway. A curious fact about the bridge is that it was designed by Gustav Eifel, namely the man we all associate with the Eiffel Tower and you may not know, but he also created the supporting structure of the Statue of Liberty. These days, the bridge has undergone several modifications due to the city’s growing needs and adaptations.

Ponte Luís I
bridge Ponte Luís I construction

Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

You already know that I am a fan of high views and so I did not miss the most famous and impressive panoramic view of the city. The place is a former 16th century monastery that has been transformed into a military barracks. You can reach by crossing the Louis I Bridge and continuing straight ahead, after 300 meters you will see a street on the left that will take you to the amazing, breathtaking view of the old town and the mouth of the Douro River.

Miradouro da Serra do Pilar by night

Igreja dos Clérigos

The church of Clerigos was built in 1763 in baroque style by a project of the Italian architect Nicolo Nazoni. It also houses a second part, a bell tower, Torre dos Clerigos, which can be seen from different points of the city, and it was at that time that it served as a landmark for navigators and became one of the most characteristic symbols of the city.

Igreja dos Clérigos
Torre dos Clérigos

The tower is 75.6 meters high. You have to climb 240 steps, which go through six floors to reach its balconies, which offer incredible views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Torre dos Clérigos view

Igreja dos Clérigos from above
Torre dos Clérigos panorama

Useful information:
Work time:
Every day: 09:00 – 19:00;

Ticket price:
Museum and tower: 6 €
Museum, church and tower: 6.50 €
Students and seniors: – 50%

Livraria Lello

Perhaps one of the city’s hidden landmarks is the Lello Bookstore, dating since 1881. It is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal and is often ranked among the best bookstores in the world.

Livraria Lello art

A curious fact that adds value to the place is that this particular bookstore has been visited many times by J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series when she taught English in Porto and is believed she has been inspired to write right here.

Livraria Lello from above

Apart from the rich collection of books on sale, the interior is undoubtedly impressive. The connection between the two floors of the bookstore is a forked staircase. Above this staircase is a large staircase from 8 to 3.5 meters, with the central Decus motto in Labore and the owners’ monogram. The ceiling and interior are completely finished with painted plaster, designed to resemble sculptured wooden surfaces and decorative elements. The building still retained the railings and the wooden trolley used to move books around the store between shelves.

Livraria Lello

To visit the venue you need to buy a ticket worth 5 €, and when you buy a book from the bookstore you can use the ticket itself as a discount and reduce the value by 5 €.

Livraria Lello books

Walk through the streets of Porto

It won’t be a real Portuguese city unless I stroll through the city streets and show off some of its architecture and favorite art, namely graffiti, which adds to the charm and value of the city.

Porto buildings

Walking through the small and winding streets you will surely find yourself in the old neighborhood of Ribeira, which will immerse you in the authentic spirit of the city. There you will have the opportunity to see various colorful and old buildings representing the history of the city, and as you stroll along the alleys and the streets you will come across random “modern” graffiti treasures.

Porto architecture
Old Porto
Porto architecture
Porto graffiti

Porto is a wonderful example for us of how a large and significant city in the country has adapted in a favorable way, retaining its old spirit and traditions. At the same time, it welcomes the new and the change, becoming a favorite and obligatory destination for every adventurer.

Porto instalation

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Travel Blogger

Dario Dionisi



If you want to know something more about me – my soul is a traveler, my origin is Italian and my true essence is a faithful friend. I am always open to new ideas and will be very happy if you want to contact me at dario@beyondsofia.com

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Dario • Exploring beyond Sofia
February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake ag February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake again. 

Yuki-Doro is challenging me who is the better poser. 🧐

#dog #hike # winter
I guess I am starting this year with a true challe I guess I am starting this year with a true challenge - hiking during winter under -15 degrees.

That was the case with the Boyana waterfall. Last year I visited them during the late summer and decided that I want to visit this place during the winter because, to be honest, I have never seen in person a big and full waterfall to be completely frozen.

So, let’s say it was something as a target for me to see it sooner or later. 

But as you can see it was really pleasant conquering this adventure because I had with me the best assistant ever - Mr. little adventurer Yuki-Doro. 

And yes, I won’t lie, I almost lost my hands and one of my legs from the extremely low temperature.

#dog #hike #winter
Most people are fascinated by the natural beauty o Most people are fascinated by the natural beauty of Yuki-Doro and I don’t blame them, to be honest. 

But as it is said - the devilish creations are the sweetest. Well, I can confirm this through my dog. 

SWIPE to the next picture and witness yourself that I have a true monster as a pet, he is twisted and scary, like a loooooot.

#dog #hiking #winter
Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? No, it' Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? 
No, it's Yuki-Doro conquering Cherni vrah peak at the age of 4 months.

Who would think that this little guy would manage to accomplish this so early stage in his life.

Imagine what he would do in the future, Everest here we come! 😂

#hiking #winter #dog
People have said it well that the dog is man's bes People have said it well that the dog is man's best friend.

This weekend was Yuki-Doro's first real adventure-challenge.

We wandered through the winter landscapes of snowy Vitosha.  Based on the amount of snow he ate, yes, he definitely liked the snow, it's good that it is low in calories, otherwise I would have returned to Sofia with a meatball.

Definitely this little one knows how to brighten up the atmosphere and make the trips more interesting.

I look forward to our next adventures.

Do you travel with your pets?

#winter #mountain #dog
Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain • So, let us Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain •

So, let us be clear here - I cannot stand winter and I really do not like the snow and cold. It is probably inherited from my Italian bloodline, who knows, but anyways.

However, I must confess, I have been multiple times in Vitosha mountain but probably for the first time I visit it for a whole hike to the peak during winter. Won’t lie, I enjoyed a lot the nature scenes I saw during my hike but still I was going to loose my hands no matter I had gloves all the time.

Overall, the experience was pleasant because it is good to remind ourselves what a true winter looks like. We all know that because of the global warming we do not have that heavy winter that we used to have back in the early 2000s. So, to see so much snow and peace at one place was a delight for my senses.

As I always say, it is good to challenge yourself and go out of your comfort zone. Only then you can discover many intriguing things, but most importantly -  to learn so many new things about yourself.

#winter #hiking #nature
Cherni vruh, the highest point of Vitosha mountain Cherni vruh, the highest point of Vitosha mountain 2290 m the peak is the fourth highest mountain summit in Bulgaria.

It presents the best spontaneous getaway if you want to go out in the nature. Also is way to good challenge yourself. I myself did it multiple times and must confess every time I climb it from different points it amazes me with the beauty that this mountain contains.

#Bulgaria #nature #mountain
The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Go The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Golden Bridges - amazingly beautiful natural phenomenon - the largest stone river in the Vitosha National Park. Massive stones (average size 2-3 meters) flow down from the mountain top to the valley for more than 2 miles long and 150 meters wide.

The stone river is ‘descending’ from elevation 1800 m above sea level to 1410 m at Golden Bridges site.

#Bulgaria #nature #stoneriver
Etudes of Vitosha • Is there anyone who lives i Etudes of Vitosha •

Is there anyone who lives in Sofia and had never visited Vitosha Mountain?

Because clearly this mountain is a pure nature gift for us all!

Vitosha Mountain is the oldest nature park on the Balkan Peninsula. Its gorgeous silhouette is visible from almost all positions in the city and is inseparable part of Sofia’ image.

Vitosha Naturе Park is the most broadly protected territory in Bulgaria, and due to its proximity to Sofia it has turned into a site of education in responsible attitude towards nature.

And don’t forget Sofia is the only European capital with such a big mountain so close to the city center.

So no matter the time and season Vitosha is always a good choice for adventures.

#Bulgaria #mountain #tourism
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