Porto's Igreja de Santa Clara is a fine example of my favourite kind of historic Catholic church; these are the one that are fairly austere and humble on the outside, but when you pass through the doorway you are almost overwhelmed by the opulent decor.
The exterior of the church is largely 15th century in origin and built in the Gothic style. The exception is the main entrance which was remodeled in the Baroque style. Sitting in a courtyard, just off a leafy square, the church has a very peaceful feel to it. You wouldn't know you were only minutes from Porto's famed Ribeira and 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
Miradouro is the Portuguese word for viewpoint, and the Miradouro da Vitória is perhaps the best known of these in Porto. The view over the Ribeira from here is a great way to take in some of the main sights of the city; the Dom Luis bridge, the Se and Bishop's Palace all stand out above the patchwork of terracotta roofs below.
What makes the Miradouro da Vitória particularly appealing is the fact it is free. There are other great views of Porto, for example from the top of the vertiginously tall Clerigos Tower, or across the river from the terrace of the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar...
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 World of Discoveries is an interactive museum and theme park that re-enacts the odyssey of the 15th and 16th century Portuguese navigators who crossed the oceans to discover a previously unknown world.
The Discoveries propelled mankind into a new global era with new maritime routes allowing people, animals and plants to be transported to Africa, India, China, Japan and Brazil.
At the World of Discoveries you can learn about this about this epic story and the innovations that made it possible. There are a number of interactive displays and twenty permanent theme areas....
The Monument to the Heroes of the Peninsular War site in the middle of the large rotunda in the Boavista district of Porto. Despite being in the middle of a busy round-a-bout the monument is set in a peaceful tree-lined garden.
The monument celebrates the Portuguese and British victory against the French forces of Napoleon during the 1808-1814 Peninsular War. Set atop the impressive column is a lion, representing the Portuguese and British, dominating an eagle, representing the forces of Napoleon
It may seem like something of a contradiction in terms but this quiet little garden is located on one of the busiest roundabouts in Porto.
Whilst cemeteries might not make it onto most bucket lists, the Cemitério de Agramonte in Boavista is well worth a visit. Originally built in 1855 to hold the victims of a cholera epidemic, this was Porto's second public cemetery but it soon morphed into something far grander.
In the 1870s a chapel was built within the cemetery by Gustavo Adolfo Gonçalves e Sousa. This was enlarged in 1906 under the direction of Architect José Marques da Silva. Frescos of Byzantine inspiration by Italian painter Silvestro Silvestri were added to the interior.
The chapel alone is worth a...
Located on the eastern edge of Porto, on the banks of the River Douro is one of the finest Baroque houses to be found in Portugal. It was built in the mid-18th century to a design by Nicolau Nasoni, one of Portugal's most famous architects. Nasoni is perhaps best known for the Mateus Palace and Tower of Clerigos, both considered Baroque masterpieces.
The Palace at Freixo was built for a canon from a wealthy family, although it was soon sold on to local industrialist, António Afonso...
Aquarium featuring a variety of underwater environments from freshwater streams to the rugged coastlines, long sandy beaches to deep ocean. Species include sharks, jellyfish and seahorses
The Linha do Douro runs for 200Km alongside the river Douro from the historic centre of Porto to Pocinho near the Spanish border. The locomotives are vintage steam and diesels making for an ideal pace to take in the stunning scenery
Porto is considered the capital of the north and as the second largest city in Portugal, rightfully so. There are really very few similarities between Porto and Lisbon – they are both near the coast, on the banks of large rivers and...