And suddenly the city of Porto was created out of the wealth and fervor of this blessed soil…Porto, a historical and vivid location, set on the northern bank of the Douro River, is the second biggest city in Portugal, after Lisbon, blooming season after season, enriching the passers’ souls and minds. This facinating changing ability of the city is due to the enthralling mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture woven with the Art Nouveau movement.
How not feeling inspired? Still not having a huge desire to explore unknown places, fascinating destinations with a touch of european charm and romantic glitter?Allow me to bring in the spotlights this magnificent city surrounded by incredible colours reflected in the golden waves of Douro river. If you wonder where it lays the grandeur and fame of this city, step ahead to discover these mysterious corridors and infinte alleys which tell the story of a sensory revelation. The places to visit and things to do in this spectacular place cannot comprise in words or pictures. You just have to experience them by yourself and let yourself be carried away.
1. Jardim do Palácio de Cristal
This paradisiac botanical garden is one of Porto’s best-loved escapes, adorned with fountains, sculptures, giant magnolias, camellias, cypress and olive trees. This breathtaking place is perceived as a confesional mosaic of different epochs, enriching visitors’ senses in a past-present timeline.
2. Sé
Founded in the 12th century, largely rebuilt a century later and then extensively altered during the 18th century, this medieval cathedral proves its splendor through its tangled alleys with flowering stairways to heaven, meant to transpose visitors to ancient times. The astonishing resemblance to Notre Dame Cathedral de Paris might be a sweet catching daydream for anyone impassioned with worldwide art and architecture.
3. Casa da Música
This minimalist and imposing unique piece of architecture is a cardinal point of reference on Porto’s map. Casa da Musica is the cultural scene and the home of the Porto National Orchestra jewel in the city’s European Capital of Culture 2001 crown, rejoicing the admiration and heartbeat of the public.
4. Mercado do Bolhão
If you feel like being spontaneous in the weekend, the Mercado do Bolhão is the perfect place to spend your Fridays and Saturdays mornings, delighting yourself with special tasty fish snacks, while walking among market stalls sprinkled with tempting souvenirs and amazing sweets. You can also have a bite of the most exquisite portuguese wines and cheese. And I have to confess this guilty pleasure has always been one of the bucket list’s whishes of travellers.
5.Museu da Misericórdia do Porto
Wearing the hallmark of Italian baroque architect Nicolau Nasoni, this church’s interior gathers 15th- to 17th-century sacred art and portraiture, which reminds modern society our duty and gratitude to the ancestral inheritance. Museu da Misericórdia do Porto it’s a not to be missed place to visit and to enjoy.
6.Majestic Café
Inside this gorgeous café, the sober marble is embracing the gold pillar pedestals whilst antique looking flemish mirrors lend the long and quite narrow interior the illusion of width. It’s insanly incredible this glorified epoque atmosphere, which leads you among feathered ladies’ hats and fine cigarette smoke from the 1920’s. It’s an authentic spectacle you’d be proud to take part at! These charming places represent the perfect getaway, where you can admire unique landscapes, incredibile refined architectural buildings, taste surprinsingly delicious food specialties and noble wines and live memorable moments.
In order to enjoy all the marvels of the city without wasting time, you can always use the quick Porto Airport Transfers or Porto car rentals services , gaining precious and unforgetable moments beside your dear ones!
Don’t miss another day without visiting this emotional rollercoaster! You’ll be surprised by the beauty and charm of this enchanting european city, which has so many things to reveal and confess…