September 1, 2006
You know that old saying that good things come in little packages? Well, we might as well be talking about the city of Porto in northern Portugal.
Admittedly not in the roster of the great and fashionable European capitals, Portugal’s second city is nonetheless a class of its own. Arriving at night with nary an idea of where to stay, our first experience with this city was memorable - creepy to say the least- when we had to stay at hostel that could have been straight out of the movie ‘The Others’.
Thankfully,the city proved otherwise, in fact every twist, every turn, every huff and puff of this hillside city was a delight to explore. Spanning the Duoro River, Porto is a city of hidden magnificent vistas.
Loved that double platformed bridge, a baby from the Industrial Revolution…
The city’s Se (Cathedral) perched atop one of the city’s hill. Not really a ‘wow’ building but nonetheless charming for its baroque simplicity. Loved that column too!
One of Porto’s relgious jewel: the Church of Sao Francisco. Nothing memorbale outside…
But wait…
as you step in, you are suddenly greeted by a ‘WOW-this-is-outrageous’ sight to behold! Truly, Baroque excess to the extreme…and these are just the side altrars! No photos inside so these were stolen shots….
Another shot of the altars. Truth be told, never ave I seen so much gilded wood in my life, I wonder how much trees they used up to carve all of these?
Worth every log if you ask me!
The Portuguese are masters in creating stunning vistas. Small streets, like this one where my hostel was, leads one eyes to this prettly little tile-painted church.
And here’s another magnificent vista, this time, towards one of Porto’s most famous landmark, the Clericos church tower.
Something to remember Porto by…a bird’s-eye view from one the city’s hills.
Oh, I love the underdogs!
September 7, 2006 at 9:57 am
nice pics
wish I can travel like you 
September 8, 2006 at 12:45 pm
Thanks for walking by!
September 25, 2006 at 5:51 am
Did you get a chance to check out what Porto is known for worldwide, Port wine? Do you have any pics of the vineyards and fincas up in the Douro? Love to see them if you do.
Thanks!
October 26, 2006 at 5:13 pm
Oh my goodness! Are those gilded altars for real?! So fantastic. My knees would probably give way at the sight.
October 27, 2006 at 1:11 am
Alex,
Yes, I did visit one of those Port Wine factories but since I couldnt tell a good wine from a bad one, well, I concentrated on the churches. ;o)
Dylan,
Yes, im sure you would have trembled in awe with the excesses of this church. I was informed that there’s only 1 other church which used this mucn wood for its interior and it can be found in Brazil.