Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage city, considered the beginning of a journey through this amazing country, a starting point for getting to know the natural and cultural diversity of the region. The city is known not only for its port wine, exported from here to all corners of the world, but also for its heritage, where the ancient outlines of churches and monuments harmoniously blend.
We begin our tour at the São Bento train station, famous for its magnificent large wall panels. We will stroll through Liberty Square, where a monument to King Don Pedro IV stands, and stop at the magnificent church with the famous “baroque candle” – a 76-meter bell tower. This is the Clérigos Tower – the symbol of the city of Porto. Nearby is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world – “Lello and Brother”. It is worth seeing and being amazed. Passing by the university building through the Four Lions Square, we will admire the charming churches of Carmo and Carmelitas. The Church of Carmo will be remembered for its huge panel of azulejos.
On the central shopping street of the city, named after Saint Catherine, all the most fashionable shops of the northern capital of Portugal are concentrated. Here we will suggest you take a look at the famous “Majestic” café and enjoy both the interior of this old establishment and a cup of invigorating coffee.
In the historical part of the city, we will see attractions such as the ancient Se Cathedral (12th century) with its massive silver altar and the Episcopal Palace with its long 60-meter facade – a masterpiece of 18th-century Portuguese Baroque architecture. The oldest streets will lead to the famous Ribeira waterfront with its cozy corners and picturesque esplanades, from the banks of which the first caravels set sail to discover new lands.
If desired, you can book a one-hour cruise on the Douro River, over which six bridges connect the city of Porto and its satellite Vila Nova de Gaia.
Next, you will visit the Graham’s wine cellars where the most famous Portuguese wine – port wine – is aged.
