The double-decker Dom Luis I bridge is an icon of the city of Porto. It spans the River Douro linking the Port wine houses of Vila Nova de Gaia with the bustling downtown Ribeira district of Porto. Construction took place between 1881 and 1886 with the bridge being built adjacent to an existing bridge which it replaced. The granite pillars of the original bridge are still in place, standing on the Ribeira like a pair of gate posts.
It is probably no coincidence that the bridge passes more than a fleeting resemblance of its neighbouring bridge, the...
Situated only a short walk from the Ribeira and in Porto's historic centre this is by far the finest church. The Igreja de São Francisco (Church of St Francis) dates back to the 14th century when it was built as an enlargement to an existing church connected to the Franciscan convent. Constructed in the Gothic style the exterior is fairly modest compared to some of the Manueline excess of this period seen elsewhere. However, all this restraint is thrown to the wind when it comes to the interior.
The Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) in Porto was built to impress. Whilst it is no longer the centre of trade in Porto it still doesn't fail to impress. When the palace was built in the 1840s Porto was a thriving city. In order to compete with other European cities the merchant's association of Porto decided to create a lavish building that would be the city's commercial hub.
The Franciscan monastery in Porto dates back to the 13th century and although the monks are long gone and the site much diminished there is still plenty to see. Topping most people's list is a visit to the Igreja de São Francisco with its exuberant Baroque interior of gold and carved wood. However, a ticket to see the church also covers entry to one of Porto's most unusual and macabre visitor "attractions".
The catacombs of the "Third Order of St. Francis" lie in the basement of the Casa do Despacho (Dispatch House) which lies...
Also known as the Alfândega Velha (Old Customs House), this is the house which, in 1394, Prince Henry the Navigator was born in (or Infante D. Henrique as he was known locally).
The restored interior is now home to a museum with a diverse range of exhibitions chronicling both the life of Prince Henry the Navigator and the Discoveries along with Porto's role in this era of Portuguese history. Other topics covered include the Roman occupation during the 4th-5th centuries and the buildings life as a customs house and mint.
Many of the...
The former residence of the bishops of Porto is built in a late baroque and rococo style and is believed to be the work of Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni
Originally a small fishing village boasting little more than a minor canning industry, the beach resort of Espinho now draws crowds to its golden beach and varied attractions, although the odd colourful narrow fishing boat can still...
Albufeira
Cascais
