As the Portuguese themselves call the city of Porto. Portugal - the land of great sailors and the western edge of Europe

"Living" building material has been known to people for over four thousand years. His popularity grew, then leveled, depending on the fashion. Today, “living” technologies are back in trend, they are durable, self-renewing, practically maintenance-free and, in addition to everything, are not just environmentally friendly, but improve and purify the air in the house. In order to equip a living roof or floor, certain skills and knowledge are needed, so let's start small and consider how to make a bath mat.

All materials of plant origin that are suitable for repair work are called "alive". Among them:

• grass,
• turf,
• ivy,
• flowers,
• seaweed.

Advice: products made of algae are not alive, as without water they die and begin to decompose, dust soon appears, and after 2-3 years the carpet is completely deteriorated. The list was made solely with a preventive purpose.

Some plants are suitable exclusively for decorative purposes, while others can withstand quite serious stress.

Now let's talk about a living rug. The invention of this accessory is credited to the Swiss designer Nguyen La Changh. She used several types of moss in her composition, which are combined with each other. The invention was named The Moss Carpet or mossy carpet and immediately became in demand in Europe.

Despite the fact that the prototype appeared back in 2009, mass production has not yet been launched. This is due primarily to the prohibitively high price, which is three hundred US dollars. The cost is due to the fact that some of the types of moss used grow only in the Tropics, so their collection and delivery is quite expensive.

Nevertheless, the designer created a vector for the entire industry, which actively began to offer various variations of mossy carpet and made it more accessible to the general population. In Russia, the first models appeared several years ago, but the fashion for them began only now.

This is due not only to external attractiveness, but also to other factors, including:

• reliability,
• wear resistance,
• regeneration of damaged areas,
• no dust and dirt,
• lack of care,
• natural air purification,
• decrease in humidity.

Thus, mossy rugs are indeed much more useful and practical than ordinary pieces of plastic. In order to acquire this miracle, it is not necessary to look for rare, today, distributors. Products are easy enough to make on their own, especially for residents of those regions where there are forests.

What can you make a rug from?

In order to answer this question, it is necessary to consider in detail the conditions in which the product will be used:

humidity level,

access to sunlight.

The rug is needed in order to walk on it, therefore, the material must be strong enough, resistant to rubbing and trampling, and pleasant to the touch. Only grass and moss are suitable for these characteristics. The sod has the necessary qualities, but over time, knots from the roots are formed in the soil, along which it will hurt to walk without slippers, this option is only suitable for a massage mat.

The humidity in the bathroom depends on ventilation. Natural extraction, like mechanical extraction, cannot provide the indices required for grass. After a few months, the roots will begin to rot, an unpleasant odor will appear, and after a while the carpet will have to be thrown out. Therefore, the herb is only suitable for baths equipped with windows facing the street (it must be ventilated after every shower).

The opposite is true for moss. This operating mode is ideal for him. However, and it has its drawbacks, the sun can kill this organism in just a few hours. Therefore, direct rays are strictly prohibited. The same is true in relation to the air temperature, optimal up to +20 0 Celsius. Higher temperatures are only suitable for tropical mosses.

If you decorate the interior in a lively style, it would be unfair to refuse flowers. With their help, a decorative mini bath mat is made. It is used as a stand for:

• shampoos, gels and scrubs,
• shaving accessories (excluding electric shavers),
• toothbrushes,
• washbasin trim.

Another option is to cover the toilet lid. In order not to renew the coating annually, perennial flowers are used in combination with evergreen herbs. It is also best to choose several species that bloom at different times of the year. The manufacturing technology of such a rug exactly coincides with the grass one. Let's consider the process in more detail.

How to make a grass bath mat

We are talking specifically about the grass, and not just about the lawn, since the type and family of crops used are completely irrelevant for the rug. Lawn is the simplest solution as it is sold everywhere. It is important to choose a variety that only grows to a certain height and does not spike. Otherwise, your rug will need to be trimmed every week.

Any varieties of meadow and field grasses are more interesting. The differences between them are cardinal. The meadows are high above sea level, therefore, the grasses constantly feel a lack of oxygen. This circumstance determines their low growth. In addition, the sun is quite intense in the mountains, which does not allow the grass to rise high above the ground. Genetics has fixed these features in the biological memory of plants, therefore, even if their habitat is changed, they will not begin to grow and spike. Ideal for small area rugs.

Field grasses, on the other hand, reach 3-10 cm in height. On the one hand, on a cold February morning, it is pleasant to stand ankle-deep in fresh juicy grass, on the other hand, because of its height, it will crumple and look not very neat. This problem cannot be solved, therefore, field grasses are used to create sufficiently large rugs that visually allow you to hide trampled places. The grass needs 4-5 hours to fully recover. It is quite difficult to completely destroy such a carpet.

Now about the sequence of actions:

• choose and buy grass,
• soak the seeds (if a donor site of soil is used, then put it in a cool place on a damp cloth),
• prepare the base,
• install barrage rails,
• fill in alumina (black earth),
• plant seeds (decompose donor soil).

There are no special questions with the purchase of herbs, this is done either in the market or in specialized stores. It is much better and more practical to use a donor site of soil. For these purposes, it is necessary to cut off the top layer of the earth 5-10 cm larger than the estimated size of the rug. Naturally, this is only relevant for those who live in regions with suitable natural conditions.

It is imperative to soak the seeds, even if there is not a word about it on the package and the seller did not give any recommendations. This is done so that each seed has swollen and softened. Allows you to achieve one hundred percent shoots.

It is better to use plastic or rubber as a base, any wood products will sooner or later begin to rot. The boundaries for the soil are made up to 3-5 cm high. The same flexible plastic or rubber will do. Fastened by soldering.

Alumina consists mostly of clay, black soil - of peat. The first option is relevant for low grass, the second - for high. If you are buying a lawn, it is best to use alumina as it will inhibit grass growth. The soil is filled up not reaching 0.5 cm to the edge of the boundary bar. The bases of the grass bushes will compensate for this height and create a level surface.

In order to plant seeds, the soil is passed with a hand rake, it is well loosened, and watered with water. After that, the grass cobs are scattered in bulk. Donor soil is also laid on watered soil. Do-it-yourself herbal bath mat is ready.

Tip: if you are making a floral carpet, then at the last stage, instead of grass seeds, you use flowers, it is allowed to combine different varieties, this will allow you to get a really bright and colorful product.

How to make a moss rug

The technology for working with moss is somewhat different from the grass mat. Unlike all the others, it is used not only for bathrooms, but also for other premises, so it is appropriate to talk about how to make a home rug out of moss.

Moss does not have to be collected in the forest; there are specialized shops selling it. Most often found in pet supplies. If you have a problem with this, you can negotiate with the zoo staff and buy it from them (terrarium department).

The technology looks like this:

• preparing the basis,
• we prepare flowerpots,
• we attach them to the base,
• replanting the moss.

Absolutely any material, even wood, is suitable as a base, while it is important that the flowerpots are made of rubber or soft plastic. In order not to think for a long time where to get them, baking dishes made of heat-resistant types of rubber are suitable.

They need to be fixed to the base with glue, nails, screws, and any other methods that imply a violation of the integrity of the form are not allowed, since water will flow out and soil the floor.

Moss, as a rule, is already in the ground, therefore, it just needs to be transferred to a flowerpot. If the height does not match, then add the required amount of any soil.

Important: the flowerpots are installed as close to each other as possible so that it is not visually visible that the moss is growing in them.

The decorative aspect is the combination of different types of moss. This allows you to give the rug different colors. In addition to the standard light green and the color of the bottle from the "Soviet Champagne", mosses are blue, red and brown.

Completing these steps is not the end yet. The workpiece should lie down for 1-2 weeks, after which it is checked whether the moss has started. If all is well, then all visible voids are covered with a very thin layer of earth, on which moss is also placed on top. He will experience minimal physical activity, but he will give the structure a finished look.

The described method allows you to create a fairly heavy stationary carpet that will be difficult to transport. There is a solution to this problem, but it will require a portable electric stove, a large cauldron or saucepan, and several kilograms of an electric cable, or rather a winding from it.

When cooking (instead of water, a solvent by the type of material), the cable turns into a thick liquid mass, which is then poured into a prepared form. Depending on the thickness of the base, one kg of winding is enough for 0.8-1.5 sq. m.

When performing this work, it should be borne in mind that the vapors are quite toxic, therefore they are boiled outside, while it is advisable to use a respirator.

The process has a lot of technological aspects that should be familiarized with before starting work.

The oldest city that gave the name to the whole country is incredibly beautiful and attractive. You can wander for a long time through the labyrinths of narrow streets and look at the colorful houses that have survived from past eras, reminiscent of toys. Visitors to the colorful pearl of Portugal feel as if time has stopped here. The city, which has seen a lot in its lifetime, is only getting better every year.

A bit of history

The first mention of Porto dates back to the 5th century. The Roman troops established a port, which they called Portus Cale (Porto Calais). The Moors who occupied the territory destroyed all the buildings erected by the soldiers. 982 is marked by the fact that the settlement becomes Christian, and by order of the Duke of Burgundy, a majestic cathedral.

The city was officially founded in 1123, after which it flourished and became an important economic center of the country. The large port is the main trade hub for all of Europe. Even in ancient times, it was famous for its delicious wine - port, which has become a symbolic drink of the state.

The unusual city of Porto, which has preserved many historical monuments, which tacitly narrate its rich history, is the center of the district and municipality of the same name. Located 270 kilometers from Lisbon, it is full of UNESCO-protected landmarks.

When is the best time to visit Porto?

The weather in the city is determined by the Gulf Stream - the warm current of the Atlantic. In winter, the average temperature is 15 degrees, and in summer, the air warms up to 25 degrees, and only a light breeze can bring coolness. Most travelers old City Porto hosts from June to September, when the weather is favorable for swimming in the sea.

In February, the city hosts a fun and noisy carnival, so it is worth booking tickets for this month in advance. And lovers of theatrical performances rush here in September, when the best troupes in the world come on tour, including from Russia.

Museum city

Tourists love to stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy the spirit of freedom that pervades charming Porto (Portugal). Detailed information about the beautiful town will allow everyone to navigate well in it, therefore it is recommended to purchase a map of the country's cultural center. It seems to the guests that a beautiful ship, consisting of ancient houses located in the rocks, proudly floats out of the turquoise water.

A cozy city in which modern buildings are harmoniously combined with old ones, is full of unique attractions that arouse a sense of admiration among tourists. Medieval buildings, mysteriously looking in the rays of the sunset, fascinate with mystical beauty. The unique city of Porto (Portugal) with its diverse architecture looks more like an ethnographic museum than an ordinary settlement.

History Center

Sprawling on the hills next to the mouth of the Douro River, which has fed the vines for centuries, the charming Porto delights tourists at first sight. The city center, perfectly preserved to this day, is very compact, and the best way to get acquainted with it is wandering along the cobbled streets, which often turn into steep stairs... It is recommended to start your acquaintance with the birthplace of first-class port in a lively and full of atmosphere.

City cathedral

The Sé Cathedral, with its unusual lead-gray hue, sits at the very top of the hill and is visible from anywhere in the city. Erected not only as a church, but also as a fortress, it was rebuilt several times and lost the features of a single architectural style. The appearance of an impregnable religious landmark is severe and at the same time beautiful. The main decoration of the cathedral is an expensive altar made of pure silver. The Romanesque rose on the facade, the covered baroque gallery, the Gothic courtyard, the gloomy interior make an indelible impression on the visitors of the sanctuary-fortress.

In June, the city of Porto (Portugal) gathers a huge number of parishioners who come from different parts of the country for the feast of St. Antonio.

Palacio da episcopale

Next to the cathedral is the Episcopal Palace, which stands out among other magnificent buildings with a 60-meter facade. The historic landmark proudly towering over low buildings has been rebuilt several times. Such outstanding dimensions reflect the role of the bishop during the Middle Ages. The modern look of the luxurious building, built in the Baroque style, is the result of the 18th century reconstruction, which was carried out by the chief architect of Portugal, Nasoni.

The architect of Italian descent left behind many great monuments, including the museum of the republican poet Guerra Junqueiro, located not far from the cathedral.

Stock exchange palace

Palácio da Bolsa is considered the main pearl of the Old Town. Two centuries ago, it was the seat of the city's commercial elite, and now the building houses a museum with a collection of paintings and sculptures. In one of the halls of the palace, heads of state meet, arriving in the city of Porto on an official visit.

Rua Santa Catarina

The main pedestrian street Rua de Santa Catarina, which is more than a kilometer long, is home to a huge number of fashion boutiques, luxurious restaurants and beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. The commercial heart of the city is one of the main attractions of Porto. On a bustling street next to the train station, life freezes on Sunday as all shops are closed. It was at this time that you can see the unique facades of ancient buildings of past eras.

Bairro da se

A walk around Porto is not complete without a visit to the poorest quarter of the city. Picturesque Bairro da Se, with its intricate maze of small streets, is of particular interest to tourists. Gloomy alleys, reminiscent of walk-through courtyards, hanging linen on colored balconies, crowded colorful houses seem to carry guests back several centuries. The poor people of the area have always lived in a port, and when in the 60s of the last century it was transferred to the open ocean, their life, adjusted over the years, began to decline. However, recently Bairro da Se received the status of a security zone, which will help to renovate the old houses of the poor. There is some magic in these ramshackle buildings that have never been restored, and rickety wooden shutters cut with cracks.

Ribeira

The sights of the vibrant city of Porto (Portugal) are so varied and numerous that it is impossible to see them even in a week. However, one cannot but plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, which soars in colorful area Ribeira. It is noisy here from morning until late at night, and numerous cozy taverns, which carry tables to the parapet, receive cheerful visitors. The embankment, located on the banks of the Douro, consists of galleries of streets, courtyards, coffee terraces. Despite the fact that it is a residential area, it looks like real museum open air.

Multicolored multi-storey buildings, some of which have already undergone restoration, are so close to each other that they touch balconies. The facades of the buildings are lined with azulejo colored tiles, and it seems that the ancient walls are decorated with shiny stone scales. Nightlife entertainment brings time-honored structures to life, while small ships docked along the waterfront add flavor to the area.

Ponte de D. Luís

In the ancient coastal area, there is the famous Luis I Bridge, which connects the city of Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, from where you can admire a delightful panorama of the ancient capital of Portugal. Steel arched structure as part of historic center, recognized as a world heritage by UNESCO. The most beautiful bridge, consisting of two spans, was designed by a student of the famous Eiffel. The upper one has a metro line, and the lower one is intended for motorists and pedestrians.

Museu romantico

In the house where King Carlo Alberto lived, the curious Museum of Romance was founded. After the death of the monarch, the personal belongings of the ruler are kept on the upper floors, and on the first there is the Port Wine Institute (Solar Vinho do Porto), where visitors can taste more than 150 brands of exquisite wine.

What else to visit in the city?

Aristocratic café Majestic is an unusual establishment that tells modern history port city... Once upon a time, public figures and the country's creative elite gathered here, and now the local landmark is adored for its luxury and unique atmosphere.

Porto, which does not leave anyone indifferent, whose sights tell about a long history, will allow each guest to ride in an old tram, covered with wood, and enjoy the view of the Atlantic Ocean from the window.

Of course, having visited the homeland of port, you should definitely get to the distilleries, most of which are located near the Ribeira quarter. On excursions, visitors will learn the intricacies of making "port", see huge wine barrels and taste the best sorts of port.

Centrally located book store Livraria will appeal even to those who do not really like to read. The unusual interior with amazing stained-glass windows, wooden steps, glass shelves delights tourists who have arrived in the fantastically beautiful city of Porto. The country of Portugal recently became famous all over the world after the statement of the writer J. Rowling that it was the Livraria bookstore that became the prototype of the magic school of Hogwarts. And now, from numerous visitors who adore H. Potter, they charge an entrance fee, but the flow of tourists does not dry out.

The fabulous city, where you want to return again, bewitches with its unique beauty. Hospitable Porto, which you need to walk in order not to miss a single architectural monument, will delight gourmets, shopaholics, connoisseurs good wine, theatergoers and everyone who loves to have fun and informative rest.

September 15th, 2012, 02:11 am

A year ago I was planning this trip, but last year the choice fell on the Canary Islands and Portugal was postponed.
But this year Portugal finally came true. After crawling through blogs and travel sites, three cities were selected: Porto, Lisbon and Albufeira. The post was chosen exclusively for beach holiday, where in the summer without swimming and sunbathing.
My first story will be about the second largest city in Portugal - Porto.

First, about the route. In my opinion, this is the optimal directory for making an idea of \u200b\u200bthis country.
By the way, A \u003d G \u003d Lisbon. Google put the dots one on top of the other and this parsley came out.

How we got to Porto is a separate story. Since the plane landed in Lisbon very late and there were no trains to Porto at that time, it was necessary to get there by the Rede Expressos bus. Run and run, but we made it.
And voila - the city of Porto.
Our hotel was centrally located in Batalha Square. So in the morning we had a beautiful view of the Church of San Ildefons, the streets bathed in the sun and crowds of tourists.
I tried to keep a lot of people out of the frame, so the streets look more or less deserted.

The first thing that struck me was the Church of San Ildefons, the pearl of the square. It is all covered with tiles typical for Portugal.
These tiles are called azulejos and are of Arabic origin. Their number in Porto is enormous, from a distance they very much resemble Gzhel and the tiles on Russian stoves.
It is interesting that they depict not just a repeating ornament, but various plots and characters.
I am very glad that the azulejos was not taken away for souvenirs, otherwise it would be tempting to break it off.

Imbued with the Portuguese spirit, I endlessly clicked the streets going uphill and downhill.
Such changes are very atypical for flat Petersburg, so it is interesting to look at such outlandish landscapes.

When traveling in Portugal, you need to remember about comfortable shoes. The sidewalks are paved with very smooth cobblestones and the ups and downs increase the slip. And of course, you need to take into account the huge walking distances. I lost one pair of shoes in Porto during a walk and had to make part of the way to the hotel barefoot.
Although the sidewalks look very elegant.

Despite the fact that Porto is the second largest city in Portugal, it does not feel Lisbon's scope.
It's good to wander here, bumping into various architectural monumentswithout following the map.
The clothes hung everywhere give a special chic. All colors and sizes. In every house, in the center and in the side streets.
I still had a feeling of desolation of Porto. On each street, several houses are dilapidated or abandoned, with sealed windows. There is a feeling that people are leaving the city, although it can be deceiving and this is just another "raisin" of Porto.

Probably one of Portugal's specialties that comes to mind - trams. Not even - trams.
Such is the greeting from the past. Although they look very decent, almost as good as new.
If you wish, you can travel by this type of transport. But when I looked at the crowd crowded there like sprats, I had no such desire.
Well cute, right?

For me personally, Hop-on Hop-off buses have become an excellent alternative to excursions, even I would say a more advantageous option. They, as a rule, have an audio guide in Russian, if it is not always available in English, free wifi and an excellent view from the second floor. Usually we do the first circle to get acquainted with the sights, and on the second circle we leave at the places we like for photographing and walking.

We started our flight from Praça da Liberdadi, where monument to King Don PedroIV.
Freedom Square is crowned by the city hall. In my opinion, it is very similar to Wenceslas Square in Prague.
(I, of course, wildly apologize, but every time there was a mention of Don Pedro, I remembered the domestic film "Hello, I'm your aunt!". I could not resist not to remember. :))

By the way, one more small detail. One of the most chic McDonald's I've seen is located on Freedom Square. It seems like there was a restaurant there before. The eagle would somehow be more typical of Germany. Inside, the room is also designed in an imperial-solemn style.

On sightseen buses I like to sit on the second floor, of course. I sit high, I look away + you get sunbathing. True, in Porto, on some streets the trees are not high, you have to bend over.
In the photo below on the left, by the way, and the city hall with a 70-meter bell tower.

The bus route ran along the ocean coast, so in Porto I first saw the ocean washing the coast of Portugal. The weather was quite hot, so tourists and locals had a rest on the beaches. Young people preferred more extreme cooling methods, jumping from a helipad at the mouth of the Douro River, on which Porto itself stands.

By the way, the views of the city here are wonderful: the houses hang one above the other and, of course, garlands of clothes to dry.

On the other side of the Douro River, we were told the best fish restaurants. In general, judging by the number of fishing boats, there is definitely fish here.

Once we came out to the river, it is impossible not to stumble upon HIM! Of course, I'm talking about the two-level bridge of King Luis I. It connects the Ribeira area with the cellars and wine warehouses of Vila Nova de Gaia. Well, it was built according to the project of the student and companion of Gustave Eiffel Theophile Seirig. Actually, there is something in common.
Attention, there are many, many photos of the bridge!

The bridge is majestic, there is a lot of it. And having clicked it from all sides during the day, you must certainly repeat all the same at sunset and at night. By the way, in the hours before sunset, the light is the most advantageous in my opinion.

Of course, this colossus is not the only bridge through Doura.
I don't know the name of the next one (can someone tell me?), But it looks impressive, yeah.

And the bridge, who would have thought ... Ponte de Dona Maria Pia, named after the wife of King Luis I. Romantic, Sharman. Well, a whole family.

The views can be viewed from the coast from the Ribeiraio side by climbing to the top on the lift or from the funicular on the other side.
True, the funicular is nothing special. The windows are kind of stained, the view from the bridge or the coast from the top is definitely better. Better save money for port :).

Well, since I said this magic word ("port" I mean), then we need to develop this topic.
I think it’s easy to guess that the word “port” comes from the name Porto.
So, the main concentration of warehouses and cellars with this drink is in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, on the left bank of the Douro.
If you want to taste, no questions asked - welcome. And it is very pleasant to wander here. Then sit down somewhere on the shore and sharpen sardines.
To be honest, I had a prejudice against port, I had never tried it before, but I had heard enough negative reviews. True, it was about the porteine \u200b\u200bbought in our country.
It turns out there are several categories of port wine tawny, brankco, ruby, vintage, etc.
I'm not bragging. that I tried everything, but tasted 3-4 varieties.
By the way, with a certain variety it is advised to consume certain snacks: nuts, jam, ham with melon, fruit, lemon pie, etc.

By the way, an excellent view of the opposite bank opens from here.
Places are right there for photosets. Houses are poked one on top of another and crowds of tourists walking.
Having looked at all this, we rather hastened to cross the bridge, to join the evening bustle.

And a few words about what is on the other side - Ribeira.
The area is filled with narrow, winding streets and dilapidated houses.
The impression was created that life here is by no means prosperous and people are slowly leaving this place.
But there is good news - the area is included in the list of objects world heritage UNESCO and it seems to be slowly being restored.

By the way, in Porto there is one of the most beautiful railway stations in Europe - São Bento.
The walls are lined with azulejos tiles in blue and white. The largest of them is made of 20 thousand tiles and adorns the waiting room. The painting depicts episodes from the history of railways.

Another interesting fact: the symbol of Portugal is the Barcelos rooster. Rooster Barcelos is fried, so it is always black. Such cockerels can always be bought in any souvenir shop in Portugal, his image can be found almost everywhere.

To conclude this part, I will add: to see Portugal, it is still worth visiting Porto. It has the charm of a small town and is completely unlike any other place in Portugal.

Porto is a city like an ethnographic museum. He gave the name not only to the whole country, but also to the famous fortified wine Port.

Porto, photo by Benjamin Gillet

Porto (Porto) is a city in the north of Portugal, at the mouth of the Douro River, not far from the Atlantic Ocean. It is ranked second in size and importance after Lisbon. The old town of Porto is located on the right bank of the river. Since 1996 it has been a UNESCO site. The architecture of the old center has been forming for several centuries and has been completely preserved. The city can compete with the capital in terms of the number of attractions and beauty.

Modern Porto is a developed industrial center. Since 2002, the city of about 240,000 has a subway system. Six unique bridges have been built across the Douro. Leixoes harbor is an important cargo port in the country. The largest university in Portugal operates in Porto.

How it all began

The history of the city began with a Roman settlement in the 5th century. The Portus tribe lived on the left bank of the Douro River, and the Calais on the right bank, so the territory was named Portucale. In the 8th century, the settlement was captured by the Moors. In the X century, Muslims were expelled, a new Christian county arose - the possession of Henry of Burgundy (father of Afonso Henriques).

During the era of the Great Discoveries, Porto flourished. XIII-XIV centuries - this is the time of cooperation between Portugal, England and other countries of the Hanseatic League. Porto was a commercial, bourgeois and industrial city. He always strove for autonomy from the central government and opposed Lisbon. In the 15th century it became the center of shipbuilding. Local residents have always been distinguished by their rebellious character. Rebellions broke out here more than once.

It was in Porto that the first Portuguese Constitution was adopted.

Porto landmarks

Luis I Bridge

Porto Cathedral

Church of st. Ildefonso

Modern Art Museum

Art Museum

Electric Transport Museum

Museum of Transport and Communications

Port Wine Museum

Cafe Majestic

Ribeira quarter, photo by Mariana Daher

The old Ribeira quarter on the banks of the river is the heart of Old Porto. Its narrow streets with colorful facades of houses are confused like a labyrinth; some houses still stand on Roman foundations. Many buildings are beautifully decorated with azulejo, traditional blue and white ceramic tiles. It is always noisy here - numerous restaurants and cafes, colorful taverns are open until late at night.

Ribeira promenade, photo AN07

Cais da Ribeira is a colorful promenade along the Douro River. Here you can see fragments of the ancient fortress wall and old cargo ships that used to transport port, and now "serve" as pleasure ships. On the waterfront, you can take great photos and buy souvenirs.

Bridge of Luis I of the Eiffel student

Bridge of Luis I, photo by Małgorzata Kaczor

Luis I Bridge (Ponte de D. Luís) (1886) - one of the business cards Porto. It is a two-level bridge built on the site of an old stone one. The architect is a student and companion of Gustave Eiffel, Theophile Cyrig. The lower level is for cars, it connects the Ribeira area with the cellars and wine warehouses of the satellite city Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper one is for the metro, it connects the São Bento train station area, with the upper part of Vila Nova de Gaia. Pedestrians can walk on both levels. The Luis I Bridge is one of the best lookout points in Porto. Not far from the bridge there is a funicular and the remains of the fortress wall of Fernandina (XIV century)

Porto Cathedral

Xie Cathedral, photo by E Assad (Massad)

Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral do Porto) - a temple rebuilt from a Romanesque fortress in the XII century. Massive battlements and two imposing towers still give the cathedral the features of a defensive citadel. In one of the chapels of the temple there is a unique altar made of 800 kg of silver. In 1809, the defenders of the city saved it from Napoleonic soldiers.

Episcopal Palace

Episcopal palace, photo by rangaku1976

The Episcopal Palace (Paço Episcopal) is located next to the Se Cathedral. This is a two-story Romanesque building from the 12th century, reconstructed in the Baroque and Rococo spirit.

Church of St. Ildefonso, photo by ChihPing

Church of Santo Ildefonso (Igreja de Santo Ildefonso), XIII century. Rebuilt at the beginning of the 18th century, decorated with azulejo, more than 11 thousand tiles were used to cover the walls. Eight original stained glass windows and an organ from 1811 have been preserved in the decoration of the temple.

Clerigos Church, photo Dan

Igreja dos Clérigos is a baroque church of the Brotherhood of Clerics, built in 1750. The main facade and tympanum are decorated with statues and reliefs, the nave of the building has an oval plan. Attached to the church is the 76-meter campanile Torre dos Clérigos, erected in the period 1754–63. This is the tallest bell tower in the country; for many years it served as a reference point for sailors. On the sixth tier of the Torre dos Clerigos, there is an excellent observation deck.

Town hall

City Hall, photo by Diego Delso

Construction of the city hall of Porto (Câmara Municipal do Porto) began in 1920, but it was used for municipal purposes only from 1957. The six-storey monumental granite building has a basement, two courtyards, a 70 m high chime tower, on which you can climb by overcoming 180 steps. There are ceremonially decorated halls inside. The interior of the building is made of marble and granite.

Freedom Square, photo by Diego Delso

Freedom Square (Praça da Liberdade) - an architectural complex of the XIX-XX centuries. in the southern part of Porto. Here is a monument to King Pedro IV, who gave Portugal a constitution; there is the Cardosas palace. The Central Station (Estação São Bento) is adjacent to the square. And the square itself is surrounded by banks, hotels, restaurants and numerous offices.

Sau Bento train station

Sao Bento train station, photo Concierge.2C

Central train Station Sao Bento (Estação São Bento) (1916) - a hymn to the beauty of the Portuguese azulejos. From white and blue tiles, magnificent panels on the walls of the building are laid out on subjects from the most striking episodes of the history of Portugal.

National Museum

Soares dos Reis, photo by Alegna13

Soares dos Reis (Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis) - National Museum, opened in 1833, it occupies the neoclassical building of the Carrancas Palace (Palácio das Carrancas). The basis of the collection is a collection of works by the sculptor Soarish duge Reisch. In addition to sculptures, there is a rich collection of Portuguese painting of the XIX – XX centuries, a collection of paintings of the XVII – XVIII centuries, silver, ceramics, interior items, textiles, glass from Portugal and the countries of the East.

For connoisseurs of art and history, Porto has a wide variety of museums. The most interesting:
Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves),
art museum - house-workshop of Antonio Carneiro (Casa-oficina António Carneiro),
Electric Transport Museum (Museu do Carro Eléctrico),
Museum of Transport and Communications (Museu dos Transportes e Comunicações),
Museum of Port Wine (Museu do Vinho do Porto).

Cafe Majestic

Majestic Cafe, photo by Lilly Darma

The Majestic Café is the most famous establishment in the city, operating since 1921. There are pompous Art Deco interiors, a rich menu, a huge assortment of coffee and desserts. It is said that it was in the Majestic Cafe that British writer J.K. Rowling began writing about Harry Potter.

Portuguese port

Portugal is the birthplace of port wine (Vinho do Porto), everyone knows that. It was Porto that has been the main center for the production and transportation of the "national treasure" since the 12th century. The name of the wine is protected by origin: only liqueur wines from grapes grown in the Douro Valley, sold in Porto, can be called "porto". The authenticity and quality of Portuguese ports are protected by the state. The origin of the drink is confirmed by a guarantee mark issued by the Portuguese Wine Institute. There are many wineries, large and small, operating in the city. The most famous brand of port is produced by the family winery Calem. The firm even founded its own museum - "Porto Calem".

Entertainment and celebrations

In Porto, they love fun and entertainment. Carnivals, processions, and costume balls are held here all the time for any reason. They are accompanied by fireworks, an abundance of treats, and musical performances.

In February, Porto hosts a carnival.

In June, the day of St. Anthony is celebrated, with the Cathedral becoming the center of events these days.

On the night of June 24, locals jump over a bonfire and put on fireworks - this is how the Catholic holiday of the birth of St. John (São João do Porto) takes place.

In September, the city hosts the International Festival of Puppet Theaters - the audience comes from all over Europe.

House of Music, photo by Marinhopaiva

A large-scale House of Music was built in the city; transparent walls have been erected in two of its halls.

The nightlife in Porto is also intense. There are many nightclubs in the city where you can have fun and relax. Most of these establishments are located on the Ribeira promenade and in the suburb of Matosinhos.

Lovers of nature and leisurely walks will appreciate the Botanical Garden, the oldest in Portugal.

What about the weather?

Winters in Porto are warm and mild with temperatures around + 14 °. Summers are quite hot and humid, the air warms up to + 25 °. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in winter. August is considered a comfortable and warm month. average temperature water in summer - + 17 °.

What is typical to eat?

Portuguese cuisine is simple and satisfying, it is also called "peasant". It uses fish, seafood and meat, and is usually garnished with rice and vegetables. Be sure to try: beef offal; feijoado (a dish of meat, rice and red beans); mashed potato soup with cabbage; stewed cod with peas; baked trout; caviar from olives. From exotic: monkfish, wolf perch, goat cheese with a thick crust.

Almost all sweet dishes are prepared with the addition of almonds and cinnamon. Desserts include a variety of cakes and pastries, mousses and puddings, crispy biscuits and fruit salads.

Souvenirs

Gifts and souvenirs for family and friends are best bought in shops on Santa-Katarine Street. It is there that there are many souvenir shops, street markets and antique shops.

The most popular gift from Porto is a bottle of Portuguese port. It is worth paying attention to ceramics, cork bark products, cockerel figurines, footwear and textiles.

Transport in Porto

Old tram in Porto, photo by Andreas Nagel

Any city attraction that is within the city can be reached by the metro, which consists of three lines. This is the optimal transport for tourists in Poru.

You can also get around the city by buses and trams. Night transport operates. An alternative to public transport is a taxi.

But what must be done in Porto is to take a ride in an old tram from 1930 and see Atlantic Ocean from his window. The interior of the tram is lined with wood, the driver drives the car while standing, since there are no seats.

Is it not from the view of the Dora embankment, with the colorful houses of the cells of the old Ribeira district? Bright colors of houses, noisy taverns, built right on the remains of the city wall. Here and there, scurrying past the "rabelush" boats, the same ones that were used in the past to transport barrels of port. The stalls of traders selling all sorts of rubbish along the Kaysh embankment ...

01. Last time, describing my walk around, I stopped at the bell tower of the Klerigos church, from where a wonderful view of the main symbols of the city opens.

04. Heinrich the Navigator, of course, a noble traveler ...
The authors of the monument, as if by chance, pointed his pointing finger at

05. Stock Exchange building! Where the traveler came from, he symbolically scooped finances for his travels. And do not be confused by the fact that the building was built 430 after the death of Henry, the authors put a monument to him even later!

06. After wandering through the narrow streets of Ribeira,

07. I finally walked out onto the Dora embankment,

08. And froze with pleasure, carefully examining the details of the bright houses.

12. On the other side - another city! Vila Nova di Gaia. The famous wine cellars with Portuguese port are located here.

13. Walking along the Caisch embankment, I could not deny myself the pleasure of climbing the Luis I bridge

14. The most famous symbol of Porto, built in 1886 by a student of Gustave Eiffel (the same one), the Belgian engineer Theophile Seirigou. The two-level bridge replaced the Pensil Bridge (1841), from which there are memorial columns (on the right).

15. View of the wine cellars (left) Vila Nova de Gaia and the monastery of the Order of St. Augustine, located in the Sierra del Pilar. The fact is that Vila Nova de Gaia is not only a neighboring city, but also an old competitor to Porto. The more wine was stored in the cellars of the city, the richer it became. And the monastery was supposed to decorate the city and become a worthy competitor to the opposite Ribeira. The monastery is really beautiful, and what a view opens from there to both banks of the Dora River! This last circumstance contributed to the growing popularity of the monastery, including among the military. So, in 1809, the future hero of the Battle of Waterloo, Wellington, was working out here the plans of the Portuguese military campaign of the British army against the Napoleonic army. Even today, most of the monastery is occupied by the military, and is closed to access.

16. It's time to climb the stairs to Heaven

16. On the way, you will meet marvelous residential streets, you can even sit and take a break from the tiring climb.)

18. Unfortunately, Ribeira is in a very deplorable state: the houses were dilapidated, and today they are home to the poorest segments of society. Since the area is under the protection of UNESCO, the city authorities are obliged to preserve and restore the Ribeiro. Due to this, the composition of the district's population is gradually changing, the former residents are moving to other areas of the city.

19. And empty houses await their hour of restoration and return of their former splendor, under the protection of the formidable knight Vimar Peres, who once in 868 defended the city before Muslim troops.

20. Here, on the square near the Cathedral of Se, is the Pelourinho column - once a pillar of shame, serving as a place of public humiliation of convicts.

21. Now a symbol of justice.

22. The Cathedral of Porto looks like a fortress, however, when it began to be built in the XII century, the difference between the cathedral and the fortress was not great.) Adjacent to the cathedral is the church chapter house, built in 1717-1722, the Bishop's palace remained in the shadow ...

23. So Vimaru Pereshu has something to guard in the hills here!

24. Finally, the upper level of the Luis I bridge, on which the Metro do Porto trams run ( the story will be!).

25.From a height of almost 45 meters,

26. boats "Rabelush" with barrels of Portuguese wine are clearly visible;

27. And like toy houses, on the promenade of Cais da Ribeira;

28. And the remains of the fortress wall, destroyed during the restructuring of the city view in the distant XVIII century;

29. And the running waters of the winding Dora River, heading towards the ocean, between the two fires of rival neighbors.

30. A beautiful bridge. The upper level is 392 meters long, the lower one is more modest, only 174 meters.

31. Finally, we got to the beautiful, protocol views of the Ribeiro, which open from the side of Vila Nova Di Gaia.

31. Do you recognize the Se Cathedral on the hill? It was from this cathedral that the city of Porto began. However, the inhabitants of Porto, especially in the presence of the Lisbonians, will not agree with us, rightly believing that the life of the local settlement began long before the arrival of the Romans ...

32. However, Porto, as a city, officially began its countdown in the XII century, with the construction of the fortress-cathedral, known today as the Cathedral of Se. Houses began to be built around it, spreading urban life further and further ...

33. Today Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. The population is about 240 thousand people. And in the metropolitan area of \u200b\u200bGreater Porto (including all surrounding cities) there are 1.75 million people. Almost a metropolis.

35. Sandeman is one of the symbols of modern Porto. This comrade is a very famous person, his silhouette can be seen here and there, and everywhere with a glass of wine ... Who could it be?