Porto Dia Um

4-Oct-23

We arrived in Porto just in time to catch sunset over the Douro River... and we weren't alone. As the 2nd largest city in Portugal, this is clearly the largest city we've visited so far, but it was still a bit of a surprise to see such massive crowds of tourists! And in the off - season, no less 😄

Sunset from Vila Nova de Gaia

Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar

North  side of Porto Cathedral 

Tile detail at cathedral

Remains of Roman Wall

Nick playing "House Hunters International" checking out local real estate

Porto's strategic location on the Atlantic Coast has made it a significant trading post (for both good & evil) since Roman Times. The wealthy merchant class has played a powerful & influential, even rebellious, role in Portuguese history. That wealth & influence left behind a myriad of stunning art & architecture, scattered up & down the hills of its (incredibly steep) cobblestone streets.

Ornate interior of Sao Bento Train Station

Porto Cathedral

Cathedral Interior

Ribeira Waterfront