Porto, as the Portuguese themselves call this city. Portugal is a country of great seafarers and the western edge of Europe

“What is the most important thing when traveling?

See, understand, enjoy, love!

Colors, shapes, aromas, tastes add up

into vivid pictures in memory, so that later we

could look at them all my life"

About the country, its history and people

Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe with a rich history. Portugal is a charming country that can be called a quiet European province, where pristine nature serenely coexists with a developed tourist infrastructure, and respect for national customs coexists peacefully with pan-European traditions.

The country of great seafarers, Portugal is located in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula. In the south and west it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and on land it borders with Spain. Portugal includes the Azores Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 1,450 km west of Lisbon, and the island of Madeira, 970 km southwest of Lisbon, which are autonomous regions of Portugal. The area of the country including the islands is 92.39 thousand square meters. km.

The name of the country comes from the name of the Roman settlement Portus Cale at the mouth of the Douro River. In 1139, Portugal became a kingdom independent from Spain. At that time it occupied only the northern third of its modern territory. In 1249, the last Muslim ruler in the south of the country was expelled, and since then its borders have changed little. The era of conquest began in the 15th century, when Portuguese maritime explorers such as Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan traveled around the world, making great geographical discoveries. By the 16th century, the territories they discovered formed a huge empire that stretched from the coast of Brazil to Africa and Asia. It was during this era that the Portuguese economy reached its greatest prosperity.

In 1910, the monarchy was overthrown in Portugal, and in 1974, a democratically minded military junta put an end to the dictatorial regime that had existed since 1926. Portugal is one of the few European countries that were not occupied by Nazi troops during the Second World War.

The constitution adopted in 1976 established Portugal as a Parliamentary Republic with direct elections and universal adult suffrage.

By transferring the last of its overseas territories, Macao, which it had held since 1680, to Chinese rule in 1999, Portugal brought an end to a long and sometimes turbulent colonial era in its history.

Events in Portuguese history had a huge impact on the culture of the country and introduced features of Moorish and Oriental styles into architecture and art. Traditional folk dances and chants, especially the lyrical fado, remain significant to this day, which can be seen and heard right on the streets. According to one version, the name fado goes back to the Latin word fatum, which means fate. The melodies of the songs harmoniously combine Moorish, African and Brazilian tunes; all the songs run through the theme of loneliness, melancholy and premonition of a sad fate, but this does not mean that music of this type is only suitable for melancholic people. The ability to glorify sadness and turn it into an object of admiration is one of the national traits of the Portuguese, and it is not without reason that for several centuries almost every family in this country was waiting for sons and husbands to set off to conquer the sea, and the journey could end in the most unpredictable way.

The country's population is mononational, 99% of the 10.8 million population are Portuguese. Many peoples have long settled on the Iberian Peninsula. The most ancient inhabitants - the Iberians - were short and dark-skinned. Over the centuries, the appearance of the Portuguese was formed under the influence of the Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, as well as Germanic tribes (Visigoths and Alamanni).

Portugal is a monolingual country. The official language is Portuguese. It is spoken by more than 200 million people worldwide on three continents: Eurasia, Africa and South America. This language is similar to Spanish, since both belong to the Iberian-Romance subgroup of the Romance group of languages, however, despite the similar grammatical structure, there are significant differences in pronunciation between them. The formation of the language was greatly influenced by the Germanic tribes and Arabs (Moors), from whom the Portuguese language borrowed many words, as well as contacts of travelers, discoverers and merchants with Asian peoples.

National characteristics: there is no need to question the historical greatness of the country - the Portuguese are proud of their past, especially against the backdrop of the modest place that the country occupies today. The Portuguese are very sensitive to comparisons with the Spaniards, despite the similarity of languages, characters and national cultures. Bullfighting is also popular here, but, unlike Spanish bullfighting, where the bull is killed, in Portuguese the animal is subdued by a team of unarmed fighters (forcados).

In this country, the percentage of the rural population is one of the highest in Western Europe, many foreigners work in its factories, construction sites and fields, including from Ukraine. Average annual per capita income: USD 22,500 (World Bank data, 2011). Average life expectancy is approaching 80 years. As in other countries, in Portugal women live longer, almost 82 years, but men do not yet reach 76. The retirement age is 65 years, and the actual retirement age is 61-62 years.

Portugal is a country of great sea voyages, grandiose geographical discoveries and tart port wine. The mild climate, fresh forest and meadow aromas, light ocean breezes and endless expanses of the Atlantic, unique architecture in the Manueline style and strong coffee... All this deserves to get to know this interesting country better.

Zintroduction to Porto

They say about the cities of Portugal: they pray in Braga, they work in Porto, they party in Lisbon. My acquaintance with Portugal began in Porto. Porto, the second most populous city in Portugal with a population of 240 thousand inhabitants, gave its name not only to port wine, but to the entire country. The historical center of Porto is located on the right bank of the Douro River, a few kilometers from where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The city center has been declared a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Porto is well known for its entrepreneurial spirit, distinctive culture and local cuisine. The city is often called the northern capital of Portugal. The largest university in Portugal is located in Porto (about 29 thousand students).

One of Porto's most striking landmarks is the Clérigos Tower, the tallest in Portugal at 76 meters or 225 steps. The Baroque church was built for the brotherhood of clerics ("Clérigos") by the architect Nicola Nasoni according to a Roman design. Its construction began in 1732 and was completed in 1750 with the construction of a monumental staircase. On July 28, 1748, despite the fact that the building was not yet completely finished, the church was opened for worship. Torre dos Clérigos has become a symbol of the city of Porto. It has been a National Monument since 1910.

The city is famous for the production of various brands of port wine. We visit one of the ancient “port wine houses” - Galem, and get acquainted with the history and features of the production of this popular drink. And, of course, we taste some varieties, and those who wish can purchase wines that suit their taste. Having warmed up our appetite with the wines we tasted, we begin our acquaintance with Portuguese cuisine in one of the restaurants, where we happily consume the national fish dish called “bacalau”.

Having refreshed ourselves with bacalau and tasted some port wines, we enjoyed a walk along the embankment of the Douro River, where such nice boats float.

There are four bridges across the Douro River, connecting the historical part of the city with Vila Nova di Gaia, a small neighboring town where the repository of world-famous port wine is located. One of the bridges (Louis the First) was built according to the design of Gustav Eiffel: a two-tier structure of impressive size seems openwork and light.

The Se Cathedral was built at the highest point of the old city. Built in the 12th century on a granite rock, it originally served as a fortress. Later it was rebuilt, but has retained its harsh appearance to this day. The inside of the cathedral is not very interesting. Decor lovers will be impressed by the luxurious silver altar, the construction of which took 800 kg of silver, and the patio, lined with the famous Portuguese azulejo tiles.

From Cathedral Square there is a beautiful view of the city.

From the cathedral to the river, the descent goes through the poorest area of Porto. The area of fashionable villas is located by the ocean. You can get here on the existing museum tram, which has not changed since 1930. It's called the Electric Machine Museum. However, each of Porto's trams can serve as an exhibit: the inside of the vehicle is upholstered in wood, and the driver drives it while standing, for the simple reason that there is no seat for it. When the tram reaches the final destination of the route, the driver moves from the head to the tail, where there is also a cabin, and drives his car in the “reverse course”: the rails in Porto end in a dead end. The most scenic route runs along the ocean shore. From the windows of noisy and old trams you can see fashionable villas, chosen by wealthy people from all over Europe.

Porto, like other Portuguese cities, is distinguished not only by its unique architecture, but also by the fact that many houses are faced with multi-colored tiles.

From the early Middle Ages until the 17th century, there was a law that prohibited the aristocracy not only from building, but also from staying in the city for more than three days. Even the king did not have his residence in Porto. He stayed in the Episcopal Palace, built by Nicolo Nazzoni. It is a masterpiece of 18th century Portuguese baroque architecture. The port city is located entirely on the hills, it has many funny houses and streets.

It was also interesting to visit the store and a kind of book museum, Livraria Lell - the oldest in Portugal and one of the most incredibly beautiful bookstores in the whole world. An extraordinary, simply fabulous interior, which is located on two floors of the store. Spectacular and massive decor of the walls and ceiling, everything is made of noble wood using original and unusual carvings in combination with the amazingly curved lines of the red staircase that leads to the second floor. The magnificent ceiling made of expensive stained glass looks no less impressive. The bookstore is located a five-minute walk from the city center.

This pretty fountain also caught our attention.

It is impossible not to mention a visit to the São Bento train station. In addition to its direct purpose, the Sao Bento station is interesting for its painting walls, lined with azulejos tiles in white and blue tones. The largest of them is made of 20 thousand tiles and decorates the waiting room. This panel completely occupies one of its walls. The painting depicts episodes from the history of railways, as well as important moments in the history of Portugal.

When leaving Porto, behind the fortress walls, my first meeting with the Atlantic Ocean took place. I go knee-deep into the ocean, the water is quite cool, but you can still take a dip.

Two days in Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the largest city in the country. It is home to 570 thousand people. It is located on the right bank of the Tagus River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Its history goes back about 20 centuries. Lisbon was built on seven hills, like Rome and Moscow. Just like Moscow, Lisbon is patronized by St. George the Victorious. The city became the capital of the state in 1147 after liberation from Arab colonization. Lisbon owes this to the first king of Portugal, Alfonso Henriques. The main city of the country was founded by the Phoenicians as a stop at the intersection of sea routes and was named Alis Ubbo - blessed bay. The city was ruled by the Roman Empire, Moors, and Spaniards.

We begin our acquaintance with the center of Lisbon - one of the main attractions. In the 18th century, bullfights and public executions took place here. We explore the Edward VII Park and the monument to the Marquis de Pombal. This is a large green meadow with neatly trimmed bushes of regular geometric shape.

Lisbon is a modern European city located on 15 hills. Walking along it you have to constantly go up and down the hills. We climb one of the hills, where, with the help of a guide, we get acquainted with the Moorish fortress of San Jorge. Once upon a time, Portuguese kings lived here, but now all that remains of the castle is a shell with pine groves inside. But this is the highest point in Lisbon and the views from here are appropriate. From the fortress walls you can see a strange structure - openwork frames of arches pointing into the sky. To take in views of the Tagus River and Lisbon's ancient Alfama district, we walked along the esplanade and climbed the ramparts of the old fortress. The fortress of San Jorge (St. George) has been a fortification spanning the mouth of the Tagus River since ancient times. In 1147, King Alfonso Henriques converted the fortress into a royal residence. In 1511, King Manuel I built himself a palace outside the fortress, and here he placed an armory and a prison. During the earthquake of 1755, the fortress was very badly damaged and only in 1938, under Salazar, the ruins were restored, and only a few details remained, reminiscent of the originally Moorish Alcasava, later the royal residence, where Vasco da Gama celebrated the success of his trip to India with pomp. The fortress walls have been restored and you can now walk along them around the ancient quarter of Santa Cruz. In the fortress towers there are various exhibitions telling about the history of the fortress and the entire city. The observation decks offer magnificent views of Lisbon.

Picturesque streets with houses covered with painted tiles run away from the fortress in different directions. Benches are carefully placed in the middle of each climb. Most of the streets lead to Alfama - the oldest quarter of Lisbon, which, being built on rocky ground, survived the earthquake without much damage. This was once the center of a Roman city and later the center of a Moorish city. Alfama was also inhabited by Jews until their expulsion in the 16th century. There is nothing there that reminds you of a capital city: Alfama is more like a fishing village, where housewives clean fish right on the street and sew on antediluvian sewing machines, and clotheslines are tied to orange trees growing right on the steps. When going for a walk in Alfama, be prepared for the fact that you will most likely get lost - this intricacy of streets practically defies logic.

We go down from the castle on a retro tram running along route No. 28, which resembles transport from the beginning of the last century, and go on a tour of the city center. We pay tribute to the way our tram dashingly climbs hills and rushes along narrow winding streets with a frightening rattle. At one point during the trip, we easily reach the wall of the neighboring house with our hands.

We get off at the bus stop and an amazing view of the capital opens up in front of us. In Lisbon, such viewing terraces are called miradoros. We found ourselves on the best of them - Miradouro de Santa Luzia. We approach the fence and freeze in admiration. It’s not for nothing that Lisbon is called the “White City”: in front of us is a whole block of toy-like, sun-drenched snow-white houses with orange tiled roofs.

The city has many interesting buildings of unusual architecture.

We go down to Commerce Square, which is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Portugal. Before the earthquake, there was a royal palace built here in 1511 by Manuel I. In its center, on a high plinth, stands an equestrian statue of the reformer king José I, whose minister was the Marquis de Pombal. The majestic Arc de Triomphe, decorated with bas-reliefs and statues of famous people and connecting the square with Augusta Street, was completed in the 19th century. It was then that the square received its current name “Commerce Square” due to its proximity to the port, which is the main source of trade for the city. From here you have a magnificent view of the Tagus River, which you can reach down the stairs. On the southern side of the square, two square towers rise, and on three sides the square is framed by the buildings of ministries and banks.

The next point of our journey is the Belem region. Where the Tagus flows into the ocean, stands the Belem (that is, Bethlehem) watchtower, and a little closer to land rises the Jeronimos Monastery - a wonderful example of the main national style - Manueline, that is, Gothic mixed with Arabic script, sea knots and astrolabes. Two world-famous Portuguese are also buried here - Vasco da Gama (who set sail from the Belem Tower, going in search of an alternative route to India) and Luis Camões. From Camões, however, only one tomb remained; the poet himself died of the plague and was buried in some lost common grave.

Nearby is the coffee shop Casa dos Pastéis de Belém, which makes the best sweets in the city, and perhaps in the country.

Next to the monastery is the Tower of Bethlehem (Torre de Belem), built in the 16th century, a symbol of Lisbon. This is one of the best examples of the Manueline style; the tower is under UNESCO protection. It is decorated with lanterns, openwork Venetian balconies, stone carvings, a statue of the Madonna of the Mariners under a huge canopy and a sculpture of a rhinoceros. From the inside, the tower looks quite gloomy - there used to be a prison here. The quadrangular Tower of Belém is known as a monument to the Portuguese Age of Discovery. The tower, built in 1515-1520 and designed in the Manueline style, is a classic symbol of all of Portugal. This tower was erected in honor of the glorious military and maritime past of Portugal and rises on the spot where caravels once set off for distant lands.

Not far from the Tower on the embankment of the Tagus River towards the 25th of April Bridge is the Monument to the Mariners.

What is Lisbon remembered for, besides its historical attractions? First of all, its original architecture, which combines different styles. We fell in love with its squares and streets, lined with tiles of various configurations and colors. Its numerous souvenir shops with all kinds of colored tiles and products made from them did not leave anyone indifferent. The city also houses one of the largest oceanariums. It was a pleasure to travel along the famous tram route No. 28 through its steep streets and with no less pleasure - underground on the metro in modern cozy cars, admiring the unique interior of its stations.

It's time to say goodbye to hospitable Lisbon. We cross one of the longest bridges in Europe. 45 months after the start of work (six months ahead of schedule), on August 6, 1966, a grand opening ceremony took place in the presence of senior officials of the state. The structure was named "Salazar Bridge" in honor of the then dictator of Portugal. Soon after the Carnation Revolution, the bridge was renamed in honor of the day when this event took place - the April 25 Bridge.

Royal Sintra

In the morning we leave Lisbon and head to Sintra. 27 km from Lisbon, at the foot of the low coastal Sierra da Sintra mountains, is the small town of Sintra, which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1995. The Portuguese themselves consider it the main attraction of the country, the pearl of Portugal. Back in the 8th century, the Moors appreciated the defensive importance of this place and built a fortress here. In 1147, Afonso I Henriques drove out the Arabs and for the next 600 years the city was the summer residence of the Portuguese kings.

Among the luxurious parks, centuries-old forests, bewitching landscapes, amazing palaces, castles, and monasteries rise on the hills.

In the city itself there is the National Palace of Sintra, and in the adjacent mountain-forested area on the hill there is the Palacio da Pena Palace and the dilapidated Castle of the Moors.

Near the station there is a beautiful city hall.

Before climbing the mountain to the Palacio da Pena, we enjoy a walk in the urban part of Sintra, built up with ancient mansions. The streets twist whimsically and often end in steep staircases, the steps leading to observation terraces with stunning views of the mountains and ocean. The cityscape is replete with green forests, exotic flowers and exquisite palaces.

In the city you can find many castles and palaces preserved in their original condition. These castles contain important historical and artistic collections, attracting Portuguese and foreign artists to the city. Not only the castles and palaces are interesting and original, but also the houses in this fabulous city.

The proximity of the ocean and mountain ranges provide humid, cool and slightly windy weather, which is excellent for relaxation even in very hot summers. That is why, already in the 15th century, the fabulous Palacio da Pena castle, which, together with its luxurious park, crowns one of the highest hills of Sintra, became the summer residence of the royal family of Portugal. Situated 450 m above the city of Sintra, it is one of the most significant examples of Portuguese architecture of the Romantic period. Rising on a rocky hill, it is in amazing harmony with the surrounding landscapes, combining lush vegetation and rocky cliffs.

The palace was founded in 1839, when the husband of the Portuguese Queen Mary II, Ferdinando II of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1816 - 1885), acquired the ruins of the Jerome Monastery and began to rebuild them to his romantic taste in order to create a summer residence here. To fulfill his fantasies, Ferdinando II turned for help to a German friend, Baron Eschwege, and appointed him as construction manager. And since in the 19th century, romantically minded architects no longer hesitated to mix different styles, the castle, like a three-dimensional puzzle, was assembled from German and Portuguese towers, Moorish arches and courtyards and Indian domes. And to top it off, they painted it all in bright colors, which delights not only adults, but also children. The whimsical and eccentric architecture of the palace combines Moorish, Gothic and Manueline motifs and the spirit of Central European castles. The palace stands on the top of a mountain and can be walked around its perimeter along a special path. Ferdinando II also built one of Portugal's most spectacular parks here, which was designed and planted over four years starting in 1846.

This most beautiful and romantic castle in Portugal is jokingly called “Snow White’s Palace” and is often compared to the Bavarian Neuschwanstein. You can get to Pena Palace by bus number 434 from the city center for 4.5 euros, but you can also get there on foot along the path.

We climb the rock where the fortress is located, built by the Moors between the 9th and 10th centuries. During the capture by Christians, the fortress surrendered without a fight. After the 15th century, the fortress lost its strategic importance. A wonderful landscape opens up from above: among the sea of greenery you can see the blue ocean and the white and red roofs of settlements and the capital.

We go down on foot to better experience all the beauty of the surrounding nature. The entire mountainside is strewn with huge boulders, as if after a landslide or rockfall. It is not clear how tall trees can grow on these stones.

I pass by the ruins of an old Moorish fortress - once upon a time life flowed vigorously here, and now only dilapidated stone walls remind of its former greatness.

Royal Sintra will forever be remembered as one of the most harmonious places in the world, combining beautiful landscapes created by Mother Nature and man-made palaces and castles created by talented architects. Lord George Gordon Byron, admiring the beauty of Sintra, called it a paradise, and then forever immortalized the town in the famous poem “The Great Paradise”.

Resort cities of Cascais and Estoril

After lunch we head to the westernmost point of Europe – Cape Roca. The path to it runs along the “Portuguese Riviera”, with a visit to the resort cities of Cascais and Estoril. Although Lisbon is located on the ocean coast, there are no beaches in the city and those who want to plunge into the depths of the sea or just relax on the coast go to these nearby resort towns. These cities are very nice and cozy.

15 km west of Lisbon lies the magnificent resort of Estoril. It has a unique microclimate: warm and sunny summers, moderate temperatures the rest of the year. It is from the resort of Estoril that the tourism industry of Portugal originates. A little over a century ago, the amazingly beautiful nature and mild Atlantic climate attracted the world elite and representatives of famous aristocratic families to Estoril. Magnificent sandy beaches, clear water and hotels inaccessible to mere mortals are traditionally in demand among people of considerable income. Fans of active recreation will enjoy an incredible variety of water sports activities, including 8 brand-new water parks, and excellent golf courses.

Her Majesty the Queen of England often vacations in Estoril, and the well-known Linda Evangelista has chosen the villa. We pass by the hotel where our first and only president of the USSR, Mikhail Gorbachev, vacationed.

Situated just a few kilometers from Estoril and 20 kilometers from Lisbon, Cascais is a typical example of Portuguese architecture with bright tiled roofs and white walls trimmed with colorful ceramic tiles.

The name Cascais comes from the word cascale - “small stone”. The city has a rich historical and architectural ensemble: a history museum, a maritime museum, churches and chapels from the 15th century. There is a monument to Don Pedro in the Central Square.

There are other monuments in the small town. We liked this sculpted warrior.

I really liked this unusual cute bouquet.

A very attractive walk through the upper town with a beautifully maintained city park and the romantic Aristocrat Castle.

If you move further from the city along the rocky coast, you find yourself in Guinsha - a kingdom of wide dunes with frequent stormy winds. This corner of untouched nature is a real paradise for windsurfers. Here is the picturesque cliff of Boca de Infierno (“mouth of the underworld”): the sea has washed out a hole in the rock, and “hell’s stew” is now constantly boiling in these stone jaws.

CapeCabo deRock

The mountain road leads to a cliff, from which a dizzying panorama of the ocean and coastal cliffs opens. This is the westernmost point of Europe, the Cape of Cabo de Roca, which became a tourist attraction only in 1979. Before this, the Spanish Cape Finisterre (Latin for “end of the earth”) was considered the “edge of the world” on the Iberian Peninsula. The 140-meter-high rock, like the bow of a ship, protrudes into the ocean. Ignoring the protective barrier, I approach its edge. Standing at the very cliff, I listen to the solemn music of the ocean and am filled with its energy. Probably, the great Portuguese navigators, standing off the western shores of their native continent and peering into the vast expanses of the ocean, wondered: “What lies beyond these distances?” and to find the answer to this question they went on long sea voyages.

We overcame a difficult journey here by bus through many European countries from the westernmost point of our native Ukraine, the Transcarpathian city of Chop (48º05′ N, 22º08′ E). We take a photo for memory with our yellow-blue national flag next to the stone stele, on which the coordinates are carved (38º47′ N, 9º30′ W) and the inscription “ Onde a terra acaba e o mar comeca....” Shrouded in fog or illuminated by the bright sun, this is the one and only place where, as the poet Camões said: “ TOthe earth ends and the ocean begins» , - this is exactly how the words carved on the stone stele sound in translation.

And this is a memorial stone.

As evidence of my presence in such a charismatic place, I purchase a personal certificate from the Cape service center stating that I really was here. On the reverse side the following words are written in different languages, including Russian: “ I certify that I was at Cape Roca in Sintra, in Portugal, at the westernmost point of the European continent, at the very edge of the world, “where the earth ends and the ocean begins,” where the Spirit of Faith, Love and the thirst for adventure prompted the Portuguese caravels to set off to searching for a new world» .

The souvenir shop has a lot of different products about your stay in the westernmost point of Europe, especially a lot of souvenirs with drawings on a variety of ceramic products. I choose a refrigerator magnet in the form of a small ceramic tile with a picture of a cape as a souvenir of my visit to this unique place.

But the main thing that we take away from this place is the memories of what the westernmost point of our native European continent looks like. The turquoise surface of the Atlantic caresses the eye, and the formidable rocks evoke legends of tragic, unrequited love.

We have reached the most extreme point of our native continent and here I end my story about the journey through the Iberian Peninsula, my “Pyrenean Novel”.

Isn’t it the view of the Dora River embankment, with colorful houses in the cells of the ancient Ribeira district? Brightly colored houses, noisy taverns built right on the remains of the city fortress wall. Here and there, Rabelos boats scurry past, the same ones that were used in the past to transport barrels of port wine. There are stalls of merchants selling all sorts of rubbish along the Cais embankment...

01. Last time, when describing my walk around, I stopped at the bell tower of the Clérigos Church, which offers a wonderful view of the main symbols of the city.

04. Henry the Navigator is of course a noble traveler...
The authors of the monument, as if by chance, directed his pointing finger at

05. Exchange building! Where the traveler symbolically drew finances for his travels. And don’t be confused by the fact that the building was built 430 years after Henry’s death; the authors erected a monument to him even later!

06. Having wandered through the narrow streets of Ribeira,

07. I finally went to the embankment of the Dora River,

08.And froze with pleasure, carefully examining the details of the bright houses.

12. On the other side - another city! Vila Nova di Gaia. Here are the famous wine cellars with Portuguese port wine.

13. Walking along the Cais embankment, I couldn’t deny myself the pleasure of climbing the Luís I Bridge

14. The most famous symbol of Porto, built in 1886 by a student of Gustave Eiffel (the same one), the Belgian engineer Théophile Seyrigou. The two-level bridge replaced the Pencil Bridge (1841), from which commemorative columns remain (right).

15. View of the wine cellars (left) of Vila Nova de Gaia and the monastery of the Order of St. Augustine, located in the Sierra del Pilar. The fact is that Vila Nova di Gaia is not only a neighboring city, but also an old competitor to Porto. The more wine was stored in the city's cellars, the richer it became. And the monastery was supposed to decorate the city and become a worthy competitor to the opposite Ribeira. The monastery is truly beautiful, and what a view it offers from there on both banks of the Dora River! This last circumstance contributed to the growth of the monastery’s popularity, including among the military. So, in 1809, the future hero of the Battle of Waterloo, Wellington, worked out here the plans of the Portuguese military campaign of the British army against the Napoleonic army. Even today, most of the monastery is occupied by the military and is closed to access.

16. It's time to climb the stairs to Heaven

16. Along the way you will meet wonderful residential streets, you can even sit and take a break from the tiring climb.)

18. Unfortunately, Ribeira is in a very deplorable state: The houses are dilapidated, and today the poorest sections of society live in them. Since the area is under UNESCO protection, the city authorities are obliged to preserve and restore Ribeiro. Thanks to this, the composition of the area's population is gradually changing, with former residents moving to other areas of the city.

19. And the empty houses are waiting for their time of restoration and the return of their former splendor, under the protection of the formidable knight Vimar Peresh, who once in 868 defended the city against Muslim troops.

20. Here, on the square near the Se Cathedral, is the Pelourinho Column - once a pillory, serving as a place for public humiliation of convicts.

21. Nowadays a symbol of justice.

22. The Porto Cathedral looks like a fortress, however, when it began to be built in the 12th century, the difference between the cathedral and the fortress was small.) Adjacent to the cathedral is the church chapter house, built in 1717-1722, the Bishop's Palace remained in the shadow...

23. So Vimar Peresh has something to guard on these hills!

24. Well, finally, the upper level of the Luis I Bridge, along which Metro do Porto trams run ( there will be a story!).

25. From a height of almost 45 meters,

26. Rabelos boats with barrels of Portuguese wine are clearly visible;

27. And like toy houses, on the Cais da Ribeira embankment;

28. And the remains of the fortress wall, destroyed during the restructuring of the city in the distant 18th century;

29. And the running waters of the winding Dora River, rushing towards the ocean, between two fires of competing neighbors.

30. Beautiful bridge. The upper level stretches for 392 meters, the lower one is more modest, only 174 meters.

31. Finally, we got to the beautiful, formal views of Ribeiro, which open from Vila Nova Di Gaia.

31. Do you recognize the Se Cathedral on the hill? It was from this cathedral that the city of Porto began. However, the residents of Porto, especially in the presence of the Lisbonians, will not agree with us, rightly believing that the life of the local settlement began long before the arrival of the Romans...

32. However, Porto as a city officially began its history in the 12th century, with the construction of the fortress-cathedral, known today as the Cathedral of Se. Houses began to be built around it, spreading city life further and further...

33. Today Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. The population is about 240 thousand people. And in the Greater Porto agglomeration (including all surrounding cities) - 1.75 million people. Almost a metropolis.

35. Sandeman is one of the symbols of modern Porto. This comrade is a very famous person, his silhouette can be seen here, then there, and everywhere with a glass of wine... Who could it be?

September 15th, 2012 , 02:11 am

A year ago I was planning this trip, but last year the choice fell on the Canaries and Portugal was postponed.
But this year, Portugal finally came true. After crawling through blogs and travel sites, three cities were chosen: Porto, Lisbon and Albufeira. The latter was chosen exclusively for a beach holiday, where in the summer without swimming and sunbathing.
My first story will be about the second largest city in Portugal - Porto.

Let's start with the route. In my opinion, this is the optimal platform for making some idea about this country.
By the way, A=G=Lisbon. Google put the dots one on top of the other and this is what came out.

How we got to Porto is a different story. Since the plane landed in Lisbon very late and there were no trains to Porto at that time, we had to get there by Rede Expressos bus. We ran and ran, but we made it.
And voila - the city of Porto.
Our hotel was located in the center on Plaza Batalha. So in the morning we had a beautiful view of the Church of San Ildefonso, sun-drenched streets and crowds of tourists.
I tried to keep a lot of people out of the frame, so the streets look more or less deserted.

The first thing that struck me was the Church of San Ildefonso, the pearl of the square. It is all covered with tiles characteristic of Portugal.
These tiles are called azulejos and are of Arabic origin. Their number in Porto is huge; from a distance they are very reminiscent of Gzhel and tiles on Russian stoves.
It is interesting that they depict not just a repeating ornament, but various subjects and characters.
I’m very glad that the azulejos weren’t stolen for souvenirs, otherwise I’m tempted to pick them off.

Imbued with the Portuguese spirit, I endlessly clicked through the streets going uphill and downhill.
Such changes are very atypical for flat Petersburg, so it’s interesting to look at such outlandish landscapes.

When traveling around Portugal, you need to remember about comfortable shoes. The sidewalks are paved with very smooth paving stones, and the ups and downs increase sliding. And of course, you need to take into account the huge walking distances. I lost one pair of shoes in Porto while walking and had to walk part of the way to the hotel barefoot.
Although the sidewalks certainly look very elegant.

Despite the fact that Porto is the second largest city in Portugal, it does not have the Lisbon scale.
It’s good to wander around here, bumping into various architectural monuments without following a map.
Hanging linen everywhere adds a special chic. All colors and sizes. In every house, in the center and in the alleys.
I also couldn’t shake the feeling of Porto being neglected. On every street, several houses stand dilapidated or abandoned, with their windows covered. There was a feeling that people were leaving the city, although this could be deceptive and this is just another “raisin” of Porto.

Probably one of the features of Portugal that comes to mind is trams. Not even - trams.
Such a greeting from the past. Although they look very decent, almost like new.
If you wish, you can travel by this type of transport. But when I looked at the crowd packed there like sprat, I lost such desire.
Well, he's cute, isn't he?

For me personally, Hop-on Hop-off buses have become an excellent alternative to excursions, even I would say a more advantageous option when traveling. As a rule, they have an audio guide in Russian; if it is not available, there is always an audio guide in English, free wifi and an excellent view from the second floor. Usually we make the first circle to get acquainted with the sights, and on the second circle we go out at the places we like for photography and walks.

We started our flight from Praça da Liberdade, where Monument to King Don Pedro IV.
Freedom Square is crowned by the city hall. In my opinion, it is very reminiscent of Wenceslas Square in Prague.
(Of course, I’m wildly sorry, but every time Don Pedro was mentioned, I was reminded of the Russian film “Hello, I’m your aunt!” I couldn’t resist remembering. :))

By the way, one more small detail. On Freedom Square there is one of the most luxurious McDonald's I have ever seen. It seems there used to be a restaurant there. The eagle would somehow be more typical for Germany. Inside, the room is also designed in an imperial-solemn style.

On sightseen buses I like to sit on the second floor, of course. I sit high, look far away + get sunbathing. True, in Porto on some streets the trees are not tall, you have to bend down.
In the photo below on the left, by the way, is the municipal building with a 70-meter bell tower.

The bus route passed along the ocean coast, so in Porto I saw the ocean washing the shores of Portugal for the first time. The weather was quite hot, so tourists and locals were relaxing on the beaches. Young people preferred more extreme methods of cooling, jumping from a helipad at the mouth of the Douro River, on which Porto itself stands.

By the way, the views of the city here are wonderful: houses hang over one another and, of course, garlands of laundry to dry.

On the other side of the Douro River, we were told, are the best fish restaurants. In general, judging by the number of fishing boats, there is definitely fish here.

Once you go to the river, it’s impossible not to bump into HIM! I am, of course, talking about the two-level bridge of King Luis I. It connects the Ribeira area with the cellars and wine warehouses of the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. Well, it was built according to the design of Gustave Eiffel’s student and companion Théophile Seyrig. Actually there is something in common.
Attention, many, many photos of the bridge!

The bridge is majestic, there are many of them. And having clicked it during the day from all sides, you definitely need to repeat the same thing at sunset and at night. By the way, in the pre-sunset hours the light is the most advantageous in my opinion.

Of course, this colossus is not the only bridge across the Douro.
I don’t know the name of the next one (can someone tell me?), but it looks impressive, yeah.

And the bridge, who would have thought... Ponte de Dona Maria Pia, named after the wife of King Luis I. Romantic, organ. Well, a whole family.

The views can be viewed from the bank on the Ribeirao side by going to the top on a lift or from the funicular on the other side.
True, the funicular is nothing special. The windows are somewhat stained, the view from the bridge or the shore from above is definitely better. Better save your money for port wine :) .

Well, since I said this magic word (“port”, I mean), then I need to develop this topic.
I think it won’t be difficult to guess that the word “port” comes from the name Porto.
So, the main concentration of warehouses and cellars with this drink is in the city of Vila Nova di Gaia, on the left bank of the Douro.
If you want to taste it, no questions asked - welcome. And it’s very pleasant to wander here. Then sit somewhere on the shore and sharpen sardines.
To be honest, I had a prejudice against port wine, I had never tried it before, but I heard enough negative reviews. True, we were talking about a portey bought in our country.
It turns out that there are several categories of port tawny, brankco, ruby, vintage, etc.
I won't brag. that I tried everything, but only tasted 3-4 varieties.
By the way, with a certain variety it is recommended to consume certain snacks: nuts, jam, ham with melon, fruit, lemon pie, etc.

By the way, from here you have an excellent view of the opposite bank.
The places are just made for photo shoots. Houses are piled on top of each other and there are crowds of walking tourists.
Having looked at all this, we quickly hurried to cross the bridge and join the evening bustle.

And a few words about what is located on the other side - Ribeira.
This area is filled with narrow, winding streets and dilapidated houses.
The impression was created that life here was by no means prosperous and people were slowly leaving this place.
But there is good news - the area is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it seems to be slowly being restored.

By the way, in Porto there is one of the most beautiful railway stations in Europe - Sao Bento.
The walls are tiled with azulejos tiles in white and blue tones. The largest of them is made of 20 thousand tiles and decorates the waiting room. The painting depicts episodes from the history of railways.

Another interesting fact: the symbol of Portugal is the Barcelos rooster. The Barcelos rooster is roasted, so it is always black. Such cockerels can always be purchased in any souvenir shop in Portugal; its image can be found almost everywhere.

In conclusion of this part, I’ll add: to see Portugal, it’s still worth visiting Porto. It has small town charm and is completely different from other places in Portugal.

Porto is one of the oldest European cities, which has preserved in its appearance the features of various eras. Locals say that Porto works for the whole country, and they are right. The city has a huge number of tourist places, industrial enterprises, places of trade and entertainment. The northern capital of Portugal, from which the state received its name, attracts with its many-sided image, deep antiquity and modernity, the flavor of antiquity and modernity. And finally, it is the capital of the world's most famous port wine, supplied to all countries, an attractive and unforgettable city, where the journey of many famous people of the past and present began.

Geography

The northern capital of Portugal is located where the Douro (or Duero) River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The distance to Lisbon is only 270 kilometers. Porto itself is located on the right bank of the river, while its suburbs are on the left. Development also occurs predominantly to the north and east, since in the west, just a few kilometers away, the ocean begins. The terrain where the city is located is quite hilly, with significant differences in height - from the Dora embankment to the highest points, more than 100 meters above sea level. This affected the architecture and the general layout of the streets, winding with many steps. The population of the city itself is just under 250 thousand people, but the entire Greater Porto agglomeration is inhabited by more than 2 million people. Despite its enormous importance and influence on the economy, culture and tourism in Portugal, the city has an area of only 42 square kilometers, and the building density is quite high. In administrative terms, the division into districts has remained historical, with its ancient center and newer parts of the city. There are 15 districts in the city, and they are located quite compactly. Porto is located on the prime meridian, and therefore the time does not differ from Greenwich.

Climate

Just a few kilometers along the straight Avenida da Boavista street separate the city from the Atlantic Ocean, and therefore the climate here is completely maritime with the increased influence of the warm Gulf Stream. Porto experiences frequent rainfall and minor storms, which traditionally occur in the winter months. At the same time, the heat in Porto is practically not felt, due to the fairly high humidity and pleasant wind from the ocean. The influence of the continental climate is practically not felt. Winter is considered the rainiest, but quite warm, especially for Russian tourists. The average temperature from December to February does not drop below +5°C, but winds do occur. There are no frosts in Porto, and sub-zero temperatures are extremely rare. Spring and autumn are characterized by variable rainfall and changes in temperature, which occur almost imperceptibly, since over two months it falls (or rises) with stable indicators. The most popular time to visit Porto is the summer period, which nominally lasts from May to September with stable thermometer readings from +17°C in the morning to +28°C in the afternoon. At the same time, there may be virtually no temperature changes during the day, and there is practically no precipitation.

Story

Historians attribute the first settlements on the site of modern Porto to the period of the Celtic peoples who settled here in 300 BC. Before the Roman conquest in 136 BC. it was an ordinary village, which was converted into a fort with various buildings of military and commercial significance - the name was given to Portus Cale. Over time, with changes in languages and pronunciations, this name became Portugal, as the entire country is called. After the conquest by the Visigoths in 540, a fortress was built here and a bishopric was founded, and the city became the center of a small region. Until 1096, when the city and the entire surrounding duchy were inherited by Henry of Burgundy, Porto was alternately under the rule of the Moors and the Kingdom of Leon. Each period left its mark on architecture, culture and art. According to historical data, the last Knights Templar fled to Portugal from the Pope and the French king. In 1387, the wedding of King João I and the British princess took place in Porto - which became the basis of the longest treaty of peace and partnership in European history - between England and Portugal. This document opened up unprecedented opportunities in trade with the British Isles, and subsequently with the British Empire.

In the process of its development, Porto, even having lost the title of capital of the kingdom, was constantly developing. In 1763, construction began on the famous Clérigos Tower, which was a landmark for ships entering the port. In 1762, a nautical academy was founded, transformed into a university, the second largest, after Lisbon. In 1876-1877, Gustav Eiffel and his student worked in Porto, designing two famous metal bridges over the Douro River. In 1872, a permanent tram service opened between the city's districts. The only war that directly affected the city was the Napoleonic invasion in 1809, but it did not last long as the British quickly liberated Porto and it returned to peaceful life. The Second World War spared the entire country, which was neutral and helped refugees.
The industrial revolution had a significant impact on the development of Porto - a large number of manufactories and enterprises were organized here, which formed the basis of today's industrial potential of the agglomeration. Porto has always been at the forefront of innovation, while remaining an authentic historical city whose entire center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sights of Porto

The first thing a visitor to the city of Porto will notice is the constant use of decorative tiles in decorating the facades of houses. Brazilian immigrants began using tiles even more frequently in the 19th century, ushering in a golden age of Portuguese façade decoration. At first, tiles were painted by hand, but later, due to industrialization, manual work was replaced by mechanical printing of images. The most striking example of the use of Azulejo tiles is the Chapel of Souls (Capela das Almas). The chapel was built in the 18th century and was nothing special. But in 1929, the walls of the chapel were decorated with 16 thousand azulejo tiles, after which this landmark of Porto became the “blue” among all the churches in the city.

The main attraction of the city of Porto and its symbol is the titanic bridge of King Luis I, built according to the design of Gustave Eiffel's student and companion - Thiophile Seyrig in 1886. The bridge, built 7 years before the Eiffel Tower, reaches a length of 80 meters more than the tower itself - 385 meters and weighs more than 3 thousand tons, the height of the bridge is 44.5 meters. This grandiose creation has two levels - the lower one is for cars, and the upper one is for metro trains. There are pedestrian paths on both levels.
The calling card of the city of Porto is also the bell tower of the Church of the Brotherhood of Clerics. The construction of the architectural complex consisting of a church and a bell tower was started in 1732 by the church brotherhood, and completed in 1750. Various people worked on the construction of the ensemble, but especially noteworthy is Niccolò Nasoni and the mason Antonio Pereira. The bell tower, which crowns the building on the western side, is considered one of the masterpieces of Niccolo Nasoni and is recognized as one of the main attractions of the city of Porto. With a height of 76 meters, the bell tower is the tallest church tower in Portugal. It is worth noting that it was in the Church of the Brotherhood of Clerics that the famous architect Niccolo Nasoni was buried.
The Church of Santo Ildefonso was built by an unknown architect between 1730 and 1737. Despite the discreet facade, the altar retablo demonstrates the sophistication and elegance of the building. The engraving work was carried out by master Niccolò Nasoni. In 1932, the Church of Santo Ildefonso was decorated with tiles by Jorge Calaso. The tiles depict the life of the church patron - Saint Ildefonso, after whom the church was named.
Another attraction of Porto is the Church of Carmo and the Church of the Carmelitas (Igrejas do Carmo and das Carmelitas). Their peculiarity is that these two churches are located so close to each other that they can be mistaken for a single building. The men's church of Carmo (located on the right) was built in the second half of the 18th century and designed by the architect José Fgueiredo Seicas. The façade, lined with stone, is crowned by a pediment, inside of which there are figures of the evangelists. The side facades of the church were covered with Azulejo tiles in 1912. On the left is the Carmelite Women's Church. It is noteworthy that the churches are separated by a house that is only one meter wide (one of the narrowest houses in the world). The appearance of this house is due to the law according to which two churches cannot have a common wall.
São Bento Station in Porto was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the site of the Benedictine monastery of St. Mary. The vestibule of the Station is covered with 20 thousand Azulejo tiles (these tiles are one of the highest artistic achievements in Portugal of the 20th century). The tile compositions show scenes related to the railway and the history of transport, as well as famous events from the history of Portugal.

Events and festivals

Porto often hosts various events and celebrations dedicated to certain holidays. As the former capital of Portugal, the city celebrates national dates with some pomp, such as Independence Day (December 1) and Republic Day (October 5). At the same time, the city often hosts other festivals, mostly dedicated to religious holidays.
The most popular and colorful event in Porto is the Day of St. John, the patron saint of the city. Every year on June 23-24, the whole of Porto is decorated in festive colors, and fairs, processions, theatrical performances and open-air treats are held everywhere.
Christmas (Natal) and Easter are traditionally the most beloved holidays in Portugal, and Porto is no exception. Widespread celebrations, parades, performances and fairs are just a small part of what happens in the city over the course of several days (or the whole December, in the case of the New Year holidays).
No less popular in Portugal is bullfighting, which has its own characteristics and distinctive features, is more humane and, in a sense, spectacular. The opening and closing dates of the season are always citywide holidays with their own rituals and clearly regulated actions.
The beginning of autumn is also characterized by widespread wine festivals, which are very important for the city where port wine was born. During the fairs, young and aged wines, the best varieties and brands of port wine, and brandy are presented.
In addition to the main holidays, Porto constantly hosts various events dedicated to museums (Open Day), cinema (science fiction festival Fantasport), music, architecture, books and other areas of art.
In February, as throughout Europe, a seven-day Carnival is held in Porto, with processions, parades, performances and other entertainment events. Another notable festival takes place in September - the International Puppet Theater Festival - an entertaining event for adults and children, when the best troupes come from all over the world to present their skills.

Restaurants and cafes

As throughout Portugal, in Porto you can find a variety of catering establishments - both ordinary cafes with minimal prices, and expensive restaurants with Michelin stars. The local cuisine is quite simple and satisfying, as, for the most part, it has developed historically and is based on seafood. However, there is one dish that sets the city apart from all the others. Unofficially, the residents of Porto are called Tripeiros, literally “tripe eaters” - which many are proud of. Indeed, the local specialty is "Tripash" - made from beef tripe with a variety of vegetables. You also can’t ignore “feijoada” - meat cooked with rice and beans; “Francesinho” is an analogue of a sandwich with ham, fried beef and sausage with tomato-beer sauce. The bulk of the menu of any establishment consists of seafood, since fresh catch is delivered to the city every day, where you can find not only traditional types of fish, but also quite exotic ones - for example, monkfish, served in some restaurants. On the streets, the embankment and in many areas there are small cafes and bars where you can have a hearty and inexpensive meal and try some of the varieties of the famous port wine.

Shopping

The history and development of the city of Porto is closely connected with trade, and therefore it is not surprising that there are many places where you can buy a variety of goods. Tourists are recommended to definitely visit the old and colorful Bolhao market, located on Ria de Sa da Bandeira, where fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits and a variety of goods are constantly sold. Porto has a large number of shopping centers, branded boutiques, shops and outlets, which represent both famous brands and local manufacturers. There are often family shops where you can buy various handicrafts. From the northern capital of Portugal you should definitely bring as a souvenir or as a gift:

port wine - the city is the capital of this drink, in the vicinity of which dozens of types and varieties are produced. It is better to buy real port wine in specialized stores, or in the cellars of producers - where excursions with tastings are organized;
Azulejos are famous ceramics, traditional only for Portugal. In Porto, almost everything is decorated with it - from the facades of buildings, to small boxes, key rings, chests and other utensils;
products made from cork are another symbol of Portugal and Porto in particular. The country occupies one of the leading places in the production of this type of wood, and local craftsmen will offer a variety of crafts made from cork, including shoes, bags, accessories;
jewelry - the heritage of the Moors, Romans and other peoples who inhabited the area influenced crafts. Silver and gold products from local workshops are attractive, original, unusual and magnificent. There are a lot of varieties of jewelry, and you can choose products at any price;
olives, cheese, jamon, egg cream, wine - traditional gastronomic souvenirs from Portugal;
figurines and goods with images of historical sights - there are a lot of such goods in all souvenir shops, and they are distinguished by their originality and variety;
football symbols - the city is the home of the famous clubs "Porto" and "Boavista" - their paraphernalia can be bought in many souvenir shops and brand stores.

How to get to Porto?

The only way to quickly get from Russia to distant Portugal is by plane - there are direct flights to Lisbon from almost all major cities. There are also connecting routes and they can take quite a long time, as they require transfers in Germany, France and Spain. In Porto itself there is a large international airport, Francisco de Sa Carneiro, located 11 kilometers from the center, receiving planes from all over Europe, including low-cost airlines, but the remoteness of the country leaves its mark on the trip. From Lisbon you can travel by train and bus. You can also get there from Russia using these types of transport, but with many transfers in large transport hubs, such as Zurich, Madrid, Barcelona and others. Travel time is very long and sometimes a transit visa is required to cross certain countries. It is possible to get to Porto by your own car, but it is quite difficult, even though the city is located on one of the most important highways on the Iberian Peninsula. You will have to cross at least five countries to get to Portugal. Still, the fastest way is aviation, be it direct flights to Lisbon, or connecting flights to other cities in the world. As a rule, when using low-cost airlines, you can fly to Porto in a maximum of 30 hours.

Transport

The city of Porto is famous for being one of the first in Europe to have a tram, despite its rather hilly terrain. To this day, the historical capital of Portugal has an extensive public transport network:

metro - five lines laid under the city unite all its districts and allow access not only to the main attractions, but also to the main transport hubs. For example, at the airport, at the train station, there is immediately a metro stop that allows you to quickly get to any point in the city;
The tram is a historical mode of transport, which is a landmark in itself. The routes, and there are only three of them, are laid out quite intricately, but they encircle the entire Porto, and most pass through the historical center, which will allow you to enjoy the views of the city while traveling from one end of the city to the other;
Bus is a popular and very common form of transport that covers Porto, buses are connected to metro and tram interchange hubs. There are even three regular routes to the airport, which makes moving around the city much easier. There are also several buses running at night, so getting to the hotel will not be a problem;
Bicycles are a growing type of transport that can be rented at dozens of rental shops. There is one caveat for Porto - due to the hilly terrain, it will be quite difficult to move around on a bike, especially for an unprepared person;
taxis - black, green and cream cars are everywhere, and their prices are quite affordable. You can call a car by phone or catch it on the street - the price will not differ. Taxi drivers are perhaps the most polite and there are very few cases of rate hikes;
car rental - despite the size of Porto, there are sometimes jams and difficult traffic, but there are a lot of free parking throughout the city, and the paid ones do not cost much. There are both international and national car rental companies operating in the city. It's worth taking a car if you plan to visit the picturesque suburbs, which is a must when visiting Northern Portugal.

Accommodation

Such a historical city, where kings and aristocracy lived, offers a large selection of hotels of various classes, many of which are located in ancient mansions and residences. All types of hotels are represented in Porto - from exclusive five-star ones, like Torel Avantgarde, to hostels for 10 Euros per night. At the same time, you can settle in any part of the city, since it is small, and a developed public transport network will allow you to quickly get to your place of residence. Porto has hotels of all the world's famous chains - Hilton, Sheraton, Radisson, as well as a huge number of large and small hotels with varying levels of service and maintenance. The most expensive places to live are traditionally located in the historical center itself, and the further to the outskirts, the lower the cost. The suburbs also have a large selection of decent hotels, and getting from them to the center is not difficult. Among the four-star hotels, it is worth paying attention to the Porto A.S. hotel. 1829 Hotel is one of the oldest in the city, and the choice of three- and two-star hotels is striking in its diversity, both in location and in prices. It is worth remembering that it is quite difficult to rent a room during the season, so it is better to book it in advance so as not to overpay.

Connection

In Porto, regular telephone communication is quite common, not only in hotels, restaurants, but also just on the streets - calls to Russia are quite inexpensive, and at night there are additional discounts. Mobile operators of local and international scale are widely represented in the city, and coverage provides a normal connection anywhere in Porto. Wireless Internet access Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere, and it is usually free - in hotels, restaurants and bars, shopping centers, on public transport, near most attractions. Traffic allows you to easily track changes in social networks, communicate via Skype, and watch streaming videos.

1. Be sure to take a ride on rare trams around the city center and see all the sights.
2. Visit the famous Livraria Lello bookstore, which became the prototype for many places from the famous Harry Potter novel. Here you can purchase a variety of books of any subject and direction.
3. Another must-visit place is the small aristocratic Café Majestic, which was once a gathering place for the aristocracy and bohemia, but now delights with reasonable prices, original interiors and delicious dishes.
4. Use public transport with an Andante card - an analogue of a travel card with a limited validity period, but it allows you to save a lot while moving around the city, especially if you want to see as many interesting places as possible.
5. In winter and autumn, you should always carry an umbrella with you, as winds and rains can occur quite suddenly.
6. When using a taxi, it is better to choose a driver who knows English and with whom it is easier to negotiate. The cars of all services have meters, but sometimes the driver can drive more laps to increase the cost of the trip.
7. Climb the Clérigos Tower, 75 meters high, visible from anywhere in Porto and a symbol of the city. Entrance to the observation deck costs about 2 euros.
8. Stroll along Ponte de Dona Maria Pia and Ponte di Dona Luis First, bridges designed and built by Eiffel and his student Seyrig before construction began on the famous tower in Paris.
9. For those who do not have much time for a detailed examination of all the sights of Porto, an excursion boat trip along the Douro River is perfect, which will help you get acquainted with the main attractions of the city and, at the same time, save time.

Porto on the map, panorama

Porto is a city of port wine and football, a city of high arched bridges and noisy coastal bars, a city of unsightly and dirty streets, the city that gave its name to Portugal. So much has been written about Porto that trying to tell something new is a thankless task. But I’ll still try to tell and show.

The city is located north of on the right bank of the Douro River, which stretches almost 900 kilometers across the entire Iberian Peninsula.

The history of the city goes back to the Romans; it was from those times that Porto began to develop, first as a port and then as an industrial city. Moreover, over the past two millennia it has not lost any of its port charm, but more on that below...

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and is often called the northern capital.

One of the most recognizable symbols of the city is the Ponte de Don Luis, built at the end of the 19th century by Théophile Seyrig, a student of that same Gustave Eiffel. The bridge connects the two banks of the Douro River. The bridge is two-level: on the upper level at a height of 45 meters there is a metro line, while the lower tier, located directly above the water, is intended for cars.

But the most famous symbol of Porto is, of course, the famous fortified wine - port.

Only wine produced on the banks of the Douro River can be called port. This provision is enshrined in the legislative acts of Portugal and the European Union. So the Soviet “Three Axes” and other similar surrogate liquids, of course, not only have nothing to do with the noble sweet drink, but also borrowed its name completely illegally.

By the way, contrary to the opinion of the majority, port wine is not produced in Porto - the world-famous cellars in which oak barrels of wine are aged are located on the opposite bank from Porto - in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Previously, in order not to disturb the transport of wine along the rough Portuguese roads, it was transported from the vineyards to the cellars in barrels on flat-bottomed cargo boats with a square sail. In memory of those times, today you can see many moored boats, just opposite the cellars. Some of the boats have been converted into restaurants, at the tables of which you can endlessly sit and enjoy the fresh wind from the Atlantic accompanied by the pleasant sweet notes of fortified wine sparkling in a glass.

A few words about transport. In Porto, as well as in, there are old, rattling trams.

There is also more modern transport here. For example, the city metro is more like a tram.

A funicular line is laid along the old fortress wall from the Douro bank to the top.

The fortress wall also appeared here not by chance - at the very beginning of the reconquista, Porto occupied a border position. The border between Muslim lands and the newly autonomous Portuguese county ran along the Douro River.

The funicular runs quite rarely - the operator waits until the cabin is filled to capacity with people, like a jar of sprats.

And, probably, the most interesting form of urban transport is the cable car, which connects the area next to the Ponte de Don Luis bridge and the embankment of the Douro River next to the wine cellars.

Although, of course, this is no longer Porto, but Vila Nova de Gaia, but it is still very interesting.

And it’s interesting because from this cable car, in my opinion, the best view of the historical part of Porto opens.

The bishop's palace rises monumentally above the densely clustered residential buildings.

Next to it on the hillside is the ancient district of Bairro da Se - it is the poorest and at the same time the most picturesque quarter of Porto.

The embankment is lined with many small open-air restaurants that seem to be filled with drunken fun around the clock.

In the meantime, it's time to look at Porto from above. The best place for this is the observation tower of the Clérigos Church.

Its bell tower is the tallest in Portugal. For a long time it was a landmark for ships arriving from the Atlantic.

A narrow staircase of 225 steps leads upstairs.

Let's take a breath at one of the sites... We have only reached the roof level so far.

Well, here we are at the top.

We look at Porto.

We see red roofs descending in ledges to the banks of the Douro. We see Vila Nova de Gaia located on the far shore. We see wine cellars occupying almost the entire opposite bank of the river.

We see neat new roofs.

We see that there are picturesque ruins right in the center of Porto.

We see that the slopes of the hills on which Porto is located are quite steep, and sometimes you need to sweat a lot to climb the many steps.

We see modern blocks rising in the distance.

We see that huge parks and squares covered with green tree crowns stretch west all the way to the Atlantic.

All. We've seen enough of Porto from above. We continue to walk the streets.

Please note that entire facades of houses can be decorated here with blue tiles.

Let's feel the atmosphere of the Bairro da Se quarter, over which the bell tower of the Clérigos Church, which we visited a little earlier, rises like a mighty phallus.

The houses here are tall and the streets are narrow and dirty. It’s stuffy between the houses, the air seems to have frozen, having absorbed many aromas, ranging from the smells of cheap food coming from nowhere to the outright stench, so familiar from our native St. Petersburg pissed elevators. The feeling that you suddenly find yourself in a poor Asian country from a civilized European country.

Laundry is hung on the streets. From time to time you come across very dubious personalities whom you really wouldn’t want to meet on a dark street under the cover of darkness.

In general, it’s a real port city. For a greater ambiance, the only things missing are drunken sea wolves and cheap port prostitutes. Although, maybe I just didn’t look well?