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"Bairristas"
Searching for the translation of the word that better defines the locals from Porto - "Bairristas" I found: "defender of local interests", "regionalist" "narrow-minded". Not knowing what to choose, I choose... all. The fever they use to promote and defend their town is a little aggressive for those from other places, specially from the south. That's why I never felt a great sympathy for this town. |
Football (soccer) enhances the distance, with all the dirty (even criminal) means used to support the local teams.
Anyway, after a rational analysis, I must admit two things: all the people that I personally know in Porto are gentle and welcoming, and the town itself it's beautiful, and surprisingly better each time I return. So, let's forget the "bairrismo" and football, and open myself to the city. I promise a deeper visit one of these days.
Anyway, after a rational analysis, I must admit two things: all the people that I personally know in Porto are gentle and welcoming, and the town itself it's beautiful, and surprisingly better each time I return. So, let's forget the "bairrismo" and football, and open myself to the city. I promise a deeper visit one of these days.
Eiffel's hand
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The old bridge of D. Luis, still in use, is one of the landmarks of Porto. Though far from the spectacularity of the Eiffel tower in Paris, the geniality of the master is undeniable, and the style easily recognizable. The lower platform is great to allow a walking visit of Gaia's caves where Port wine invites you. |
Clérigos Tower
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This Baroque tower built in the 18th century by Nicolau Nasoni is, maybe, the most famous building of Porto. Centrally located, it's easy to reach and quick to see, being almost impossible to stroll in historic Porto without stumbling on it, and if you have the guts to climb its 240 steps, they say that the views are rewarding (I never risked, but do believe!). Website: http://www.torredosclerigos.pt/en/ |
Aliados avenue
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The central square of Porto is the place where everything socially relevant happens. Dominated by town hall, it is a very harmonious square (they call it Aliados avenue) that no one can miss, because it is in the middle of... everything. Amidst all the many interesting buildings, forget McDonald's advertising and look at the building - 9GAG considered it "the most beautiful in the world" |
Cathedral
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Reading in Lifecooler that: "Porto Cathedral is the cradle of the city, which has developed from here. It is a must-see monument, because of its artistic treasures. Built in the 12th century in Romanic style, the cathedral has deeply changed throughout time. The facade has two towers and in the middle of them, a rose window. In the inside, the naves have a vault shape. At the en of the central nave, you will find the high choir, illuminated by a Gothic style rose window. The main chapel was built in the 17th century in classic style, dominated by marbles of several colors. The urn with the remains of Holy São Pantaleão, city patron saint, is also a peculiar note worth highlighting." ... I must be ashamed! I only saw it from distance. To be honest, I visited it more than 30 years ago, but forgot what I saw. Of course, it will be a priority in my next visit to Porto. |
Bourse Palace
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One of my wished visits in Porto is the Arab room, in this palace that now houses the Commercial Association of Porto. That's the reason why they only allow guided visits, and... not always. That´s why I had to skip it once more - a conference was being prepared, and visits were suspended. I saw it in TV, it looks nice, but pictures are forbidden, so I don't know how someone obtained the one that I found in Panoramio. othercontact: correio@cciporto.pt Phone: +351 22 339 9000 Website: http://www.palaciodabolsa.pt/ |
Infante square
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Located facing the Bourse palace, ans surrounded by other beautiful buildings, this square, once occupied by a convent is a great point to those who travel by car, because it has an underground parking, and a perfect location to visit the historic centre of town. The square's name is given by the monument to Henry, the navigator, erected in 1900. |
Palácio de Cristal
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People keeps talking about "Palácio de Cristal" even after its demolition in 1953, to give place to the sports pavilion, that initially kept the name and later was baptized "Rosa Mota". It's a massive construction, in a garden overlooking the river, used to all kind of sports, even our... dancing. We didn't dance there yet, only watched, but we will... soon! |
The gardens of Palácio de Cristal
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This small but lovely garden, around the sports pavilion, is a balcony over the river, with a nice area to rest with a good book, to chat with friends, or to make a picnic, as we did. A very pleasant spot in Porto. 
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S Francisco church
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This church is an absolute "Must see". So rich, in its gilded interiors, that picture is forbidden. It is a Gothic church from the 14th century, but its great attraction is the baroque decoration from the 18th. The ticket costs 4€ and allows free entrance at the adjacent museum. |
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S Francisco museum Yes, this is a two in one. If the church is something not to be missed, then the museum is... free! Some paintings, some furniture, some sculpture, the catacombs... well, it's free! |
S Nicolau church
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Burnt in 1758 and rebuilt four years later, this small church close to St Francisco, mixes Neoclassical and Baroque styles.
With Rococo decoration it has a reasonable collection of gold and silver pieces. 
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Boavista - Oficial version
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In the beginning of the 19th century the troops of Napoleon invaded and occupied Portugal.
Lisbon has been taken, but not Porto. After a dramatic resistance, Portugal won the war, with the help of the English army. To celebrate the resistance was built a monument almost 50 meters high, with precious sculptures, in one of the main squares of Porto. Close to it, in the beginning of the long avenue that leads to the seafront, the new building of casa da Música deserves your attention. In Paris, the "Arc du Triomphe" celebrates, among other, the victory of Oporto (I explain the error in y Paris page). |
Casa da música
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The New White Elephant
The worst of Porto is... jealousy! Lisbon spent millions building a white elephant to cultural events - CCB, the Cultural Center of Belem, and Porto shouldn't stay behind. Many millions later, here we have, in Boavista square, this immense and disputed block, able to organize all kind of performances. Join the discussion, and if you want something more then a drink to fill the night , it must be your first search. Website: http://www.casadamusica.com/ |
Rabelo boats
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Once used to bring the wine down the river, these beautiful boats are only a touristy attraction today. Most of them are only anchored as decoration for the wineries, only sailing in festive days, but a few are available to a small trip in the river. Why not? |
Congratulations
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Every time I went to Porto, I came with the sensation of disappointment, because it was easy to see the potential of this quarter to boost Porto's authenticity, but the ruined look, dirtiness and bad frequency spoiled everything. I went there one more time, and... congratulations. The recuperation was well achieved, the colors glow in the reflections in the water, and visitors are well received, feeling comfortable and pleased. An example to continue and follow. |
Alfândega
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Departing point for several cruises along the river, this quarter, close to Ribeira, is also being restored, and shows a clean and nice face to the river. Well, in the back there was still much work to be done the last time we were there. |
Foz
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Yes, Porto is extremely jealous of Lisbon and doesn't accept losing in any circumstance.
Lisbon has its coast of Estoril, and Porto has... the Foz. However, here, this city must accept the defeat. The walk along the river is beautiful, lively, but the sea doesn't help, and beach is something to forget except for locals. Defeat? I'm I crazy? Who invented the "francesinhas"? |
Ramalde
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Looking for a specific address in Porto, I found a quarter that was once a village out of town, engulfed by the growth of the last decades. The funny thing is that the contrasts between past and present may be seen everywhere. |
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Casa de Ramalde
In the 18th century the famous architect Nasoni transformed a house from the 14th century, giving it a Neo Gothic style. Classified as a building of national interest,it is used by... the official organization that classified it - IPPAR. |
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Two churches In Ramalde there's a church, the "old" church, dating from the 18th century, that, maybe for being considered not too functional, was replaced by a modern and more ambitious one. The funny thing is that it was not exactly a replacement and there they stand side by side, to be used... I don't know how. |
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Village life The growth of the biggest towns, destroy the characteristics and way of life of the absorbed quarters and villages. When the growth is quick, it is possible to have a period when old and new, stand together, until the loss of the old images, or its transformation as a cultural remain, if deserved. In Ramalde I saw much of the old village that my grand sons will never see. |
Serra do Pilar
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Just across the river (so, officially in Gaia, I think), in a steep hill, there is the monastery of Serra do Pilar. Though not yet open to public visit, it's the perfect place to stop and enjoy the best sight over the river and Porto. It's not difficult to reach, at your right, just before you enter the upper platform of D Luis bridge. |