Our Wakes: 2015
Porto (14 -24 April 2015)
When you arrive in Porto by sea you are impressed by the very high bridges that
dominate the Douro river at a height of about 70 meters.
The Douro river that ends in the ocean at Porto has over the years created a
landscape with a deep valley that goes more than 100km further inland. The city is
located on high up, but is is nearly impossible to visit the city if you stay at the same
level so it is essential to plan your itinerary carefully, otherwise
you may up climbing more then you need. If you go inland, you will
see the deep valley which forced the vineyards to be stepped.
The city started trading with England in 1603, but the height of the trade between
Porto and England was in the 17 and 18 centuries when France and England were at
war. During those centuries, no trade between France and England was possible, in
particular the wine trade.
Porto is truly a fascinating city with many sites to visit. We did spend several days
visiting Porto as there is so much to see. Certain places deserve special mention
because they are unique, such as the lost step room of the São Bento train station
with walls covered by 20.000 azulejos (blue ceramic tiles). The Lello book-store, build
in 1906, has an impressive staircase with 2 wings and a double orientation. It is
considered by many as the most beautifull book-store in the world. Of course a visit
to the Porto cellars is mandatory because they explain the process used for making
Porto wine. There are also numerous churches covered in blue ceramic tiles.
The picture below are only a selection of the more beautiful places. Do not hesitate
to click on the hyper-links for more details.
dominate the Douro river at a height of about 70 meters.
The Douro river that ends in the ocean at Porto has over the years created a
landscape with a deep valley that goes more than 100km further inland. The city is
located on high up, but is is nearly impossible to visit the city if you stay at the same
level so it is essential to plan your itinerary carefully, otherwise
you may up climbing more then you need. If you go inland, you will
see the deep valley which forced the vineyards to be stepped.
The city started trading with England in 1603, but the height of the trade between
Porto and England was in the 17 and 18 centuries when France and England were at
war. During those centuries, no trade between France and England was possible, in
particular the wine trade.
Porto is truly a fascinating city with many sites to visit. We did spend several days
visiting Porto as there is so much to see. Certain places deserve special mention
because they are unique, such as the lost step room of the São Bento train station
with walls covered by 20.000 azulejos (blue ceramic tiles). The Lello book-store, build
in 1906, has an impressive staircase with 2 wings and a double orientation. It is
considered by many as the most beautifull book-store in the world. Of course a visit
to the Porto cellars is mandatory because they explain the process used for making
Porto wine. There are also numerous churches covered in blue ceramic tiles.
The picture below are only a selection of the more beautiful places. Do not hesitate
to click on the hyper-links for more details.
São Bento station
Lello book-store
Porto cellar
Eiffel bridge
