Portugal In A Week-The Places You'd Go Back To
Mar 29th, 2017, 03:18 PM
#21
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...m#last-comment
Dukey1 I answered these question to thread asking for one day in Lisbon.
I have to agree that the Avenida Place is pretty centre and faces a the busy Restorers Square.
In fact the 3 mains square here sore of almost run into each other.
At the Restorers Square you are next to the
Rossio Train Station
Eden Theatre
Foz Palace and you are kitty corner from the
Hard Rock Café.
Across the Square from the Hard Rock Café is the Gloria Elevator.
Takes this cog-wheel elevator up the steep slope for about 4 blocks....
When you get off you at the Lovely St. Pedro ( Peter) Gardens.
The views from her are terrific over the roof tops and out to the Tagus River.
Half a bout from the Restors Square is the Rossio Square with the statue of King Pedro IV in the centre.
Here at the Square on the west side is the famous Café Nicola.
Have a beer here if you want and watch the buskers entertain.
The National Theatre is at the head of the Square ( North) with a nice statue over the Pediment of Gil Vincent ( Founder of the Theatre)
Next Square over is the Figueira Square ( Square of the Fig Tree)
There is a Statue of King John I , but it is not in the centre of the Square like it once was.
The statue was moved over the to front and to the side of the Square.
The reason for this is that they wanted the Statue to be seen by people when they are in the Main Commercial Plaza Square right beside the Tagus River.
So Stand in front of the State of King John I in Figueira Square and look straight down Silversmith Street to the Commercial Square......now
when you get to the Commercial Square and you will be here for sure.. then look down Silversmith Street and now you can see the State of King John I !!
And that is why they moved it.
You will and MUST walk down Rua Augusta Street ( # 1 street that leads you to the huge Commercial Plaza Square, where everyone goes.
Walk right up to the Tagus River from here and you can still see the steps where the Royal Boats came the Kings came up those steps.!!
But you will go to the Santa Justa lift.
There will be a line up , but it moves rather quickly.
The cost is 3.5 euros or 5 euros.
Pay the 5 euros right off the bat , because when you get to the top and look around . there is an additional 74 steps in a tight circular staircase that leads you to the very very top.
The cost to go up this staircase is 1.5 euros BUT not if you have to 5 euros ticket.
I will not try to describe the views from here...just enjoy.
Oh yes, when you come down Rua Augusta Street you will pass through /under the ornate Rua Augusta Archway.
This Arch was built to commemorate the City's recovery from the 1755 Earthquake.
Anyway.....you can go to the top of this Arch and have nice views over the huge Commercial Square.
You buy a ticket ( cost is 3 euros) BUT the ticket office is rather difficult to spot.
It is a hole in the wall on Rua Augusta Street on the left side just before the Arch.
You can climb or take a ride up to St.Jorge Castle
Walking you will past the Lisbon Cathedral , St.Anthony's Church, The Santa Luzia Lookout ( nice view from here) and the St.Vincent Statue.
Once at the Castle you have superb view back down over the Alfama District you just came through to get here.
Enjoy the views and Castle.
A few blocks back of the Castle is the lovely Monastery of St. Vincent.....again great views from the top.
(If you are at the Castle you might as well come here.) !
( Now beside St. Vincent Monastery ...see that Grand Arch, that leads to the Thieves Market.!!!
I also think you will like the Gulbenkain Museum
I stayed at the InterContinental Hotel and had a corner room facing the Eduardo VII Park and the Roundabout of Marques of Pombal Square.
I do not know where you will be staying but you really should walk all the way up ( the Park slopes up) the Eduardo VII Park.
If you stay at the Avenida Palace Hotel in Restorers Square then it is a nice walk straight ahead from your hotel to that tree lined Esplande......
at the other end of this tree line
Dukey1 I answered these question to thread asking for one day in Lisbon.
I have to agree that the Avenida Place is pretty centre and faces a the busy Restorers Square.
In fact the 3 mains square here sore of almost run into each other.
At the Restorers Square you are next to the
Rossio Train Station
Eden Theatre
Foz Palace and you are kitty corner from the
Hard Rock Café.
Across the Square from the Hard Rock Café is the Gloria Elevator.
Takes this cog-wheel elevator up the steep slope for about 4 blocks....
When you get off you at the Lovely St. Pedro ( Peter) Gardens.
The views from her are terrific over the roof tops and out to the Tagus River.
Half a bout from the Restors Square is the Rossio Square with the statue of King Pedro IV in the centre.
Here at the Square on the west side is the famous Café Nicola.
Have a beer here if you want and watch the buskers entertain.
The National Theatre is at the head of the Square ( North) with a nice statue over the Pediment of Gil Vincent ( Founder of the Theatre)
Next Square over is the Figueira Square ( Square of the Fig Tree)
There is a Statue of King John I , but it is not in the centre of the Square like it once was.
The statue was moved over the to front and to the side of the Square.
The reason for this is that they wanted the Statue to be seen by people when they are in the Main Commercial Plaza Square right beside the Tagus River.
So Stand in front of the State of King John I in Figueira Square and look straight down Silversmith Street to the Commercial Square......now
when you get to the Commercial Square and you will be here for sure.. then look down Silversmith Street and now you can see the State of King John I !!
And that is why they moved it.
You will and MUST walk down Rua Augusta Street ( # 1 street that leads you to the huge Commercial Plaza Square, where everyone goes.
Walk right up to the Tagus River from here and you can still see the steps where the Royal Boats came the Kings came up those steps.!!
But you will go to the Santa Justa lift.
There will be a line up , but it moves rather quickly.
The cost is 3.5 euros or 5 euros.
Pay the 5 euros right off the bat , because when you get to the top and look around . there is an additional 74 steps in a tight circular staircase that leads you to the very very top.
The cost to go up this staircase is 1.5 euros BUT not if you have to 5 euros ticket.
I will not try to describe the views from here...just enjoy.
Oh yes, when you come down Rua Augusta Street you will pass through /under the ornate Rua Augusta Archway.
This Arch was built to commemorate the City's recovery from the 1755 Earthquake.
Anyway.....you can go to the top of this Arch and have nice views over the huge Commercial Square.
You buy a ticket ( cost is 3 euros) BUT the ticket office is rather difficult to spot.
It is a hole in the wall on Rua Augusta Street on the left side just before the Arch.
You can climb or take a ride up to St.Jorge Castle
Walking you will past the Lisbon Cathedral , St.Anthony's Church, The Santa Luzia Lookout ( nice view from here) and the St.Vincent Statue.
Once at the Castle you have superb view back down over the Alfama District you just came through to get here.
Enjoy the views and Castle.
A few blocks back of the Castle is the lovely Monastery of St. Vincent.....again great views from the top.
(If you are at the Castle you might as well come here.) !
( Now beside St. Vincent Monastery ...see that Grand Arch, that leads to the Thieves Market.!!!
I also think you will like the Gulbenkain Museum
I stayed at the InterContinental Hotel and had a corner room facing the Eduardo VII Park and the Roundabout of Marques of Pombal Square.
I do not know where you will be staying but you really should walk all the way up ( the Park slopes up) the Eduardo VII Park.
If you stay at the Avenida Palace Hotel in Restorers Square then it is a nice walk straight ahead from your hotel to that tree lined Esplande......
at the other end of this tree line
Mar 29th, 2017, 03:20 PM
#22
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We have decided to extend this trip to include Santago de Compostella and will probably opt for the drop charge and leave the car there and fly on to Italy.>
If steep charge drive to the border town and if can return car there it is then easy to cross the border and catch trains to Santiago in a few hours.
Obidos has a historic Parador actually part built into the city's ancient ramparts - for classy lodgings:
https://www.pousadas.pt/en/hotel/pousada-obidos
If steep charge drive to the border town and if can return car there it is then easy to cross the border and catch trains to Santiago in a few hours.
Obidos has a historic Parador actually part built into the city's ancient ramparts - for classy lodgings:
https://www.pousadas.pt/en/hotel/pousada-obidos
Mar 29th, 2017, 03:49 PM
#23
oopps.
...tree lined street is the Roundabout of Marques of Pombal and then the Eduardo VII Park.
( Marques the Pombal is the big hero loved by the King as he was the one that rebuilt Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake
He wanted Biaxa to be in a grid pattern and so it is to this day.,
Belem is a place of it's own ( see my attachment from Fodors)
You said you were going to have a car.... I would drive along the coastline beach) to Estoril , then Cascais, then turn upward ( North) towards Sintra Mountains....
But detour a bit and go to Cabo da Roca.... don't miss this as you are close by....
it is the most Westerly point on the European Continent.
And don't fall over the edge and people taking selfies have done.,.really.
Do Sintra Town
Pena Palace
Moor's Castle
on your way North is Mafra Palace.
on your way to Port now you can stop at
Obidos ( nice place, old Castle walls surround the place.
it is called the Wedding Place town) kings always gave this town as a wedding gift.
You like the beach...straight up from Obidos is Nazarene, lovely beach town.
Go up the hill here to the St.Michael's Archangel Fort and Nazarene Lighthouse
You take a funicular up here.
Then there is the Alcoba Monastery ( a few miles east)
Then I would try to make it to Fatima.
You do not have to be religious to come here but knowing what happened here helps.
( 3 Shepherd Children 1917)
From Fatima I would go to the Alcoba Monastery it is on your way to Porto
Then Coimbra Pronounced ( Queem -Bra)
The University perched on a hilltop in the centre of town is a great attraction.
You have to come here.
Walk the large Courtyard
Go into the Chapel of Miguel here in the courtyard, and then the very ornate
Joanina Library ( no picture taking here ...but Wow !!)
I'll stop here, but if you go to Porto I can add more.
...tree lined street is the Roundabout of Marques of Pombal and then the Eduardo VII Park.
( Marques the Pombal is the big hero loved by the King as he was the one that rebuilt Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake
He wanted Biaxa to be in a grid pattern and so it is to this day.,
Belem is a place of it's own ( see my attachment from Fodors)
You said you were going to have a car.... I would drive along the coastline beach) to Estoril , then Cascais, then turn upward ( North) towards Sintra Mountains....
But detour a bit and go to Cabo da Roca.... don't miss this as you are close by....
it is the most Westerly point on the European Continent.
And don't fall over the edge and people taking selfies have done.,.really.
Do Sintra Town
Pena Palace
Moor's Castle
on your way North is Mafra Palace.
on your way to Port now you can stop at
Obidos ( nice place, old Castle walls surround the place.
it is called the Wedding Place town) kings always gave this town as a wedding gift.
You like the beach...straight up from Obidos is Nazarene, lovely beach town.
Go up the hill here to the St.Michael's Archangel Fort and Nazarene Lighthouse
You take a funicular up here.
Then there is the Alcoba Monastery ( a few miles east)
Then I would try to make it to Fatima.
You do not have to be religious to come here but knowing what happened here helps.
( 3 Shepherd Children 1917)
From Fatima I would go to the Alcoba Monastery it is on your way to Porto
Then Coimbra Pronounced ( Queem -Bra)
The University perched on a hilltop in the centre of town is a great attraction.
You have to come here.
Walk the large Courtyard
Go into the Chapel of Miguel here in the courtyard, and then the very ornate
Joanina Library ( no picture taking here ...but Wow !!)
I'll stop here, but if you go to Porto I can add more.
Mar 29th, 2017, 03:58 PM
#24
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But detour a bit and go to Cabo da Roca.... don't miss this as you are close by....
it is the most Westerly point on the European Continent.
And don't fall over the edge and people taking selfies have done.,.really.
Do Sintra Town
Pena Palace
Moor's Castle>
I did all by train and bus from Lisbon day trip so with a car do a circular tour - Sintra - awesome Cabo da Roca - passes thru Eucaluyptus forests with permeating odor everywhere en route - then to Cascais and back to Lisbon.
it is the most Westerly point on the European Continent.
And don't fall over the edge and people taking selfies have done.,.really.
Do Sintra Town
Pena Palace
Moor's Castle>
I did all by train and bus from Lisbon day trip so with a car do a circular tour - Sintra - awesome Cabo da Roca - passes thru Eucaluyptus forests with permeating odor everywhere en route - then to Cascais and back to Lisbon.
Mar 29th, 2017, 04:16 PM
#25
Sound Good PalenQ, but Dukey1 could be on his way to Porto (maybe )....
that is why I kept moving him further North.
( PalenQ remember that posting in the Lounge about 18 months ago ,some lady parked her car in the parking lot in Obidos ( pronounced Oh-Bee-Doush) and it was broken into,
she had a tough time getting over the break in)
that is why I kept moving him further North.
( PalenQ remember that posting in the Lounge about 18 months ago ,some lady parked her car in the parking lot in Obidos ( pronounced Oh-Bee-Doush) and it was broken into,
she had a tough time getting over the break in)
Mar 29th, 2017, 05:42 PM
#27
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Sound Good PalenQ, but Dukey1 could be on his way to Porto (maybe )...>
maybe Nazarre and if so visiting Obidos and Coimbra (awesome upper town with huge courtyard hemming in monuental facades) and Batalha Monstery would be great breaks. Obidos is small. Coimbra's main attraction the upper town IME need not take that long (though days could be spent in the town of course) - get to Nazare for a sublime sunset and fresh-fried fish...
Porto I felt was an amazing city - as I said upthread really old-world to me - kind of the way European cities looked decades ago in its rather unrestored - then - about 10 years ago - old edifices and lots of little mom-and-pop stores, etc. I just thought it were so refreshing - especially the really old tiny trams - be sure to take the tram ride from Porto center to the seaside and back - a very popular tourist thing to do.
As are the Port Wine Tours along the Duoro River right in the city center in caves- tours of course include tastings.
Guimares and Braga, both very historic and old-looking towns, are two superb easy daytripsfrom Porto. Guimares, which I think was once capital of Portugal and is thus high in the national patrimony is especially interesting because of its rather bizarre Catholic Pilgrimage Shrine just outside of the town center: http://www.aswesawit.com/braga-catholic-shrine/
A day trip up the famed Duoro River Valley is also easy to do by car from Porto.
maybe Nazarre and if so visiting Obidos and Coimbra (awesome upper town with huge courtyard hemming in monuental facades) and Batalha Monstery would be great breaks. Obidos is small. Coimbra's main attraction the upper town IME need not take that long (though days could be spent in the town of course) - get to Nazare for a sublime sunset and fresh-fried fish...
Porto I felt was an amazing city - as I said upthread really old-world to me - kind of the way European cities looked decades ago in its rather unrestored - then - about 10 years ago - old edifices and lots of little mom-and-pop stores, etc. I just thought it were so refreshing - especially the really old tiny trams - be sure to take the tram ride from Porto center to the seaside and back - a very popular tourist thing to do.
As are the Port Wine Tours along the Duoro River right in the city center in caves- tours of course include tastings.
Guimares and Braga, both very historic and old-looking towns, are two superb easy daytripsfrom Porto. Guimares, which I think was once capital of Portugal and is thus high in the national patrimony is especially interesting because of its rather bizarre Catholic Pilgrimage Shrine just outside of the town center: http://www.aswesawit.com/braga-catholic-shrine/
A day trip up the famed Duoro River Valley is also easy to do by car from Porto.
Mar 29th, 2017, 07:20 PM
#28
Yes PalenQ I like the Batalha Monastery.
In Coimbra that whole University area is great not just being inside the courtyard.
But before you reach Coimbra one should stop off at the Conimbriga Ruins which are about 4-5 miles South of Coimbra ...so it is on your way when you are coming into town
From Coimbra going to Porto..... you can go via Visue ( great place 57 miles away or via Aveiro, 39 miles away)
I would tell Dukey1 to go via Aveiro which is right on the Atlantic coast line and great beach, long boardwalk and lighthouse and ...then over the Barra Bridge in the town of Aveiro ( Highway A25).
Grand Canal runs right through the town and you can take boat rides like in Venice.
I did Porto via a River Cruise right from the Spain Border to the Atlantic ( and all the towns in between).
I don't think I missed any town
but I liked Lamego and I climbed the 686 steps to the Church in Lamego called Our Lady of Remedios.
(Man google this place just to see the steps going up.)
Also did Braga and Guimares ) Braga is much bigger. Both are nice.
( I do not think there is a bad lace in Portugal and you see architecture that you do not see in Europe.
I spent 4 full days walking about in Porto.
I'll pause here.
In Coimbra that whole University area is great not just being inside the courtyard.
But before you reach Coimbra one should stop off at the Conimbriga Ruins which are about 4-5 miles South of Coimbra ...so it is on your way when you are coming into town
From Coimbra going to Porto..... you can go via Visue ( great place 57 miles away or via Aveiro, 39 miles away)
I would tell Dukey1 to go via Aveiro which is right on the Atlantic coast line and great beach, long boardwalk and lighthouse and ...then over the Barra Bridge in the town of Aveiro ( Highway A25).
Grand Canal runs right through the town and you can take boat rides like in Venice.
I did Porto via a River Cruise right from the Spain Border to the Atlantic ( and all the towns in between).
I don't think I missed any town
but I liked Lamego and I climbed the 686 steps to the Church in Lamego called Our Lady of Remedios.
(Man google this place just to see the steps going up.)
Also did Braga and Guimares ) Braga is much bigger. Both are nice.
( I do not think there is a bad lace in Portugal and you see architecture that you do not see in Europe.
I spent 4 full days walking about in Porto.
I'll pause here.
Mar 30th, 2017, 01:40 AM
#29
Original Poster
Thank you both, Pal and Percy for these absolutely wonderful suggestions.
And I am certain a lot of what you BOTH have said can be worked into the itinerary somehow.
Right now I have become more or less "obsessed" with the Santiago thing. It is a fairly easy drive from Porto. I'm looking at cheap(er) airfares and finding that it might be better to go back to Porto to fly out...not sure yet...eventually will end up in Verona but wouldn't mind going through Switzerland to get there and the flights on EasyJet to Geneva out of Porto are easier that flights out of Santiago to Milan.
Anyway, enough of that trivia. BACK to what you two said.
Porto is definitely ON the screen. I suspect we'll also stop in Fatima! We have been to Lourdes twice. It isn't so much the actual "religious experience" although the Husbear is a Roman Catholic, but also the historical experience. It seems "every country" seems to have had some sort of what I call "miracle site." France has Lourdes, Portgugal has Fatima; there are those various "loretto" sites and we have been to a lot of them for some reason so why not this one, too?
Anyway, all of these suggestions are making me more anxious than ever to DO this.
And thank you, Tabernash2 for your thoughts about Lisbon and how we don't need a car there and I'd rather not have one there, too.
More to come as I ponder this further.
And I am certain a lot of what you BOTH have said can be worked into the itinerary somehow.
Right now I have become more or less "obsessed" with the Santiago thing. It is a fairly easy drive from Porto. I'm looking at cheap(er) airfares and finding that it might be better to go back to Porto to fly out...not sure yet...eventually will end up in Verona but wouldn't mind going through Switzerland to get there and the flights on EasyJet to Geneva out of Porto are easier that flights out of Santiago to Milan.
Anyway, enough of that trivia. BACK to what you two said.
Porto is definitely ON the screen. I suspect we'll also stop in Fatima! We have been to Lourdes twice. It isn't so much the actual "religious experience" although the Husbear is a Roman Catholic, but also the historical experience. It seems "every country" seems to have had some sort of what I call "miracle site." France has Lourdes, Portgugal has Fatima; there are those various "loretto" sites and we have been to a lot of them for some reason so why not this one, too?
Anyway, all of these suggestions are making me more anxious than ever to DO this.
And thank you, Tabernash2 for your thoughts about Lisbon and how we don't need a car there and I'd rather not have one there, too.
More to come as I ponder this further.
Mar 30th, 2017, 05:03 AM
#30
Original Poster
Have been watching the thread about several nights in Portugal and where to stay also.
Am also thinking now that perhaps we would be better off to start OUT in Porto and end in Lisbon since the connections to Italy seem to be better.
Am also thinking now that perhaps we would be better off to start OUT in Porto and end in Lisbon since the connections to Italy seem to be better.
Mar 30th, 2017, 09:29 AM
#31
Well I went from Porto to Lisbon and flew out of Lisbon.
Here is my information on Porto .
( it was nice to review my pictures .I had a private guide for 2 days ...so he took me from point A to B with less time hassle.)
If you can I would take a boat ride from one end ( Atlantic) to the other end (Freixo Palace)
Starting from the Atlantic side.
1. At the mouth of the Atlantic is Felgueiras Lighthouse and Pier
2. Across the road from her is the St. John Castle, you can tour inside.
3. Across the road and going East now (which you have to drive) you will pass the lovely Alegre Ride Gardens ( Foz of Douro) with the lovely monument to Raul Brandao.
4. The first Bridge you will come to is the Arribida Bridge which connects Porto to Vila Nova de Garcia.
It is a nice ride along the Douro River here as you go under the bridge,
soon you will come to the Helicopter landing pad and the road swings out over the water... this swingout is called "Viaduto of Cais of Pedras. ( I have not seen something like this before.)
5. Up the hill from here is the Green Dome Pavilion Rosa Mota( used to be the Crystal Palace until 1956)
It is now used for concerts and sports events.
I went up here and the views back down to the Douro and Atlantic are fantastic.
Up here also is the beautiful gardens and the Romantic Museum ( in and ornate 18 century building.)
The whole place is open to the public and FREE.
6. Since you are driving you can go several block (5)north
and see the Routundra of Boavista ( a roundabout named for Mouzinho of Albuquerque who was a Portuguese soldier and fought in the African Wars.)
It is the monument on the centre of this roundabout that is nice to see.
It is dedicated to the Victory of the soldiers against the French in the Peninsula Wars ( about 1810)
On top of the monument is a Lion killing a French Eagle !!
7. Next is University Square:
These are the Highlights here
Church of Carmo, must see those blue and white tiles all over.
University of Porto ( in centre of Square)
Lello Bookstore. Now here is a building that you HAVE to go into.
It is the 3rd largest bookstore in the world but is considered the nicest bookstore in the world.
Also in this Square is the Clerico Church (Porto's Landmark) with it's double staircase in front... and
back of the Church is the Clerico Tower.
The Tower has 240 steps to the top and the views from her over the Douro Valley and back to the Atlantic are terrific.
From here you walk a block to the Liberation Square:
This is a lovely place.
First go to the St.Bento Train Station, walk inside and see all those tiles depicting rural life in Portugal.
Now the Liberation Square is tree lined and 4 blocks long.
The equestrian statue of Pedro IV is at the front of the square.
Just walk along this square to the end with it's very lovely City Hall at the end.
Statues and trees adorn the square and the architecture on both sides is very pleasing to the eyes.!!
Two blocks from here is the famous Café Majestic.
I would go here for a drink and/ lunch just to see the interior.
From here we go to the Cathedral Square:
The Porto Cathedral
Former Bishop's Palace
Church of St.Lawrence
Statue of Vimara Peres
These can all be seen by standing in one spot.
Next square a few blocks over is the Infantes Henrique Square: ( Prince Henry the Navigator).
His father was King John I, the thing about Henry is that he was a Navigator for Explorers that sailed during Portugal's Age of Discovery , but Henry himself never sailed. !!!
His statue is in the centre of the square.
Here is the Stock Exchange Building ( Bolsa Palace)
Lovely place to tour and the Arabic Room is the must see highlight.
Blue fronted St.Nicholas Church is here. ( South side of Square.
Old Market Place ( Northside of Square)
Ahhh ! but now we come to the Church of San Francisco
If you must see only one Church in Porto or Portugal THIS is the one.
There is over 450 pounds of gold in the altar and pillars
The Tree of Jesse is here.
The Catacombs and Treasury of St.Francis (in basement) is included in the ticket price ( 7 euros).
Across the road from the Statue of Henry the Navigator
is the home of the Birth place of Henry, half a block down the street...
You might as well walk here because you have to walk down this street ( one block) to get to the Riverside.
You will walk right by his birth home.
Along the Riverside are many street vendors and ahead it the landmark King Luis I Bridge.
I would walk across the bridge on the Lower level, ( that large domed building you see across the river on the hilltop is the Monastery Agostinho).
once you cross the Bridge turn RIGHT and walk several blocks down to where the Tram is.
Take the Tram , nice to be sitting up high now with nice views.
When you get off the Tram you can now walk back across the King Luis I Bridge on the UPPER level back to Porto.
I would try to take a boat ride along the Douro River in Porto
The Bridges from the Atlantic to the "end are :
Arribida Bridge
King LuisI Bridge
Bridge Infantes Henrique
Maria Pia Bridge
St. John Bridge
Freixo Bridge...and then the Freixo Palace
I would ask the boat master for a ride from the Freixo Place to the Atlantic Ocean and you will have terrific scenery of Porto and seeing the other side also.
Aside Comments:
Porto was once called Portus, the other side was called Cale.
They united to form Portucale... and then Portugal.
I find that what we learned in grade school of "I before e except after c" does not apply in Portugal ....(everything is e before i )
That's It !!!!
I could have said more but then I was here for four days.
Thanks Dukey1 this helped me review my pictures.
( You know how it once we put the pictures away we never seem to look at them again )
Here is my information on Porto .
( it was nice to review my pictures .I had a private guide for 2 days ...so he took me from point A to B with less time hassle.)
If you can I would take a boat ride from one end ( Atlantic) to the other end (Freixo Palace)
Starting from the Atlantic side.
1. At the mouth of the Atlantic is Felgueiras Lighthouse and Pier
2. Across the road from her is the St. John Castle, you can tour inside.
3. Across the road and going East now (which you have to drive) you will pass the lovely Alegre Ride Gardens ( Foz of Douro) with the lovely monument to Raul Brandao.
4. The first Bridge you will come to is the Arribida Bridge which connects Porto to Vila Nova de Garcia.
It is a nice ride along the Douro River here as you go under the bridge,
soon you will come to the Helicopter landing pad and the road swings out over the water... this swingout is called "Viaduto of Cais of Pedras. ( I have not seen something like this before.)
5. Up the hill from here is the Green Dome Pavilion Rosa Mota( used to be the Crystal Palace until 1956)
It is now used for concerts and sports events.
I went up here and the views back down to the Douro and Atlantic are fantastic.
Up here also is the beautiful gardens and the Romantic Museum ( in and ornate 18 century building.)
The whole place is open to the public and FREE.
6. Since you are driving you can go several block (5)north
and see the Routundra of Boavista ( a roundabout named for Mouzinho of Albuquerque who was a Portuguese soldier and fought in the African Wars.)
It is the monument on the centre of this roundabout that is nice to see.
It is dedicated to the Victory of the soldiers against the French in the Peninsula Wars ( about 1810)
On top of the monument is a Lion killing a French Eagle !!
7. Next is University Square:
These are the Highlights here
Church of Carmo, must see those blue and white tiles all over.
University of Porto ( in centre of Square)
Lello Bookstore. Now here is a building that you HAVE to go into.
It is the 3rd largest bookstore in the world but is considered the nicest bookstore in the world.
Also in this Square is the Clerico Church (Porto's Landmark) with it's double staircase in front... and
back of the Church is the Clerico Tower.
The Tower has 240 steps to the top and the views from her over the Douro Valley and back to the Atlantic are terrific.
From here you walk a block to the Liberation Square:
This is a lovely place.
First go to the St.Bento Train Station, walk inside and see all those tiles depicting rural life in Portugal.
Now the Liberation Square is tree lined and 4 blocks long.
The equestrian statue of Pedro IV is at the front of the square.
Just walk along this square to the end with it's very lovely City Hall at the end.
Statues and trees adorn the square and the architecture on both sides is very pleasing to the eyes.!!
Two blocks from here is the famous Café Majestic.
I would go here for a drink and/ lunch just to see the interior.
From here we go to the Cathedral Square:
The Porto Cathedral
Former Bishop's Palace
Church of St.Lawrence
Statue of Vimara Peres
These can all be seen by standing in one spot.
Next square a few blocks over is the Infantes Henrique Square: ( Prince Henry the Navigator).
His father was King John I, the thing about Henry is that he was a Navigator for Explorers that sailed during Portugal's Age of Discovery , but Henry himself never sailed. !!!
His statue is in the centre of the square.
Here is the Stock Exchange Building ( Bolsa Palace)
Lovely place to tour and the Arabic Room is the must see highlight.
Blue fronted St.Nicholas Church is here. ( South side of Square.
Old Market Place ( Northside of Square)
Ahhh ! but now we come to the Church of San Francisco
If you must see only one Church in Porto or Portugal THIS is the one.
There is over 450 pounds of gold in the altar and pillars
The Tree of Jesse is here.
The Catacombs and Treasury of St.Francis (in basement) is included in the ticket price ( 7 euros).
Across the road from the Statue of Henry the Navigator
is the home of the Birth place of Henry, half a block down the street...
You might as well walk here because you have to walk down this street ( one block) to get to the Riverside.
You will walk right by his birth home.
Along the Riverside are many street vendors and ahead it the landmark King Luis I Bridge.
I would walk across the bridge on the Lower level, ( that large domed building you see across the river on the hilltop is the Monastery Agostinho).
once you cross the Bridge turn RIGHT and walk several blocks down to where the Tram is.
Take the Tram , nice to be sitting up high now with nice views.
When you get off the Tram you can now walk back across the King Luis I Bridge on the UPPER level back to Porto.
I would try to take a boat ride along the Douro River in Porto
The Bridges from the Atlantic to the "end are :
Arribida Bridge
King LuisI Bridge
Bridge Infantes Henrique
Maria Pia Bridge
St. John Bridge
Freixo Bridge...and then the Freixo Palace
I would ask the boat master for a ride from the Freixo Place to the Atlantic Ocean and you will have terrific scenery of Porto and seeing the other side also.
Aside Comments:
Porto was once called Portus, the other side was called Cale.
They united to form Portucale... and then Portugal.
I find that what we learned in grade school of "I before e except after c" does not apply in Portugal ....(everything is e before i )
That's It !!!!
I could have said more but then I was here for four days.
Thanks Dukey1 this helped me review my pictures.
( You know how it once we put the pictures away we never seem to look at them again )
Mar 30th, 2017, 09:42 AM
#32
Original Poster
Well, Percy, I'm glad you got those out those pictures (which, yes, we do never seem to look at again and if we do they bring back those wonderful memories).
Your narrative of Porto is wonderful and I will be printing all of this out.
I think, now, that we will also start out there since we will fly from Miami to Madrid and connect to Porto. Whether or not we go north for "St. James" I am not certain; will wait and see. But we will drive south and then turn the car in before spending several days in Lisbon.
Again, your Porto narrative is wonderful and thank you so very much for taking the time.
Your narrative of Porto is wonderful and I will be printing all of this out.
I think, now, that we will also start out there since we will fly from Miami to Madrid and connect to Porto. Whether or not we go north for "St. James" I am not certain; will wait and see. But we will drive south and then turn the car in before spending several days in Lisbon.
Again, your Porto narrative is wonderful and thank you so very much for taking the time.
Mar 30th, 2017, 10:01 AM
#33
You are welcome, I also went to Porto from Madrid.
Have a nice trip.
Have a nice trip.
Mar 30th, 2017, 10:45 AM
#34
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Percy, you've shared some excellent info. If I may make a suggestion, it would be helpful to refer to places by their proper Portuguese names. It would be very confusing to try to find "Silversmith Street" in Lisboa 
Mar 30th, 2017, 03:17 PM
#36
Just returned from a week each in Porto and Lisbon. (Trip report to follow) Can't help with Lodging as we rented apartments in both.
Favourites: Lisbon - liked the whole Alfama district, although steep, the maze of streets is great to explore - loads of small restaurants and bars all over.
Statue of Christo Rei across the river - short ferry ride from Cais do Sodré, can walk along riverside, take scenic elevator, then fairly longish walk up through town, or take bus from ferry port. Statue itself is impressive, Views back over Lisbon more so.
Sintra - Castle of the Moors.
Porto - enjoyed the Port Houses on the Vila Nova de Gaia side - particularly liked the Taylor's Audio guide - exceptionally informative. Walk across the Dom Luis Bridge top level for some superb views. Agree with Percy about the Pavilion Rosa Mota
Day trip to Guimaraes - really beautiful medieval centre.
On the whole, I found the cathedrals and churches we visited rather "Sad and Gloomy" when compared to e.g Italian Churches.
Favourites: Lisbon - liked the whole Alfama district, although steep, the maze of streets is great to explore - loads of small restaurants and bars all over.
Statue of Christo Rei across the river - short ferry ride from Cais do Sodré, can walk along riverside, take scenic elevator, then fairly longish walk up through town, or take bus from ferry port. Statue itself is impressive, Views back over Lisbon more so.
Sintra - Castle of the Moors.
Porto - enjoyed the Port Houses on the Vila Nova de Gaia side - particularly liked the Taylor's Audio guide - exceptionally informative. Walk across the Dom Luis Bridge top level for some superb views. Agree with Percy about the Pavilion Rosa Mota
Day trip to Guimaraes - really beautiful medieval centre.
On the whole, I found the cathedrals and churches we visited rather "Sad and Gloomy" when compared to e.g Italian Churches.
Mar 30th, 2017, 04:35 PM
#38
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Thank you all, I have been following this thread with great interest. I will have 2 weeks in Portugal October 5-19, with a brief 3 days in Santiago. This has been very informative and helped me focus my trip as well.
Thank you!!!
Thank you!!!
Mar 30th, 2017, 06:55 PM
#39
luz_de_lisboa
Your're right , I should have used more Portuguese names but I converted to English and not doing a good job.
The conversions are my own, so any blame rest with me.
Your're right , I should have used more Portuguese names but I converted to English and not doing a good job.
The conversions are my own, so any blame rest with me.
Mar 30th, 2017, 07:03 PM
#40
Okay I went back to my notes and the "Silversmith Street" is Rua Prata. !!!
When you are standing in the large Commercial Square facing the beautiful Rua Augusta Arch, ...the street is the next one over to your RIGHT !!...
so just walk over to your RIGHT while still in the Square and look down this street and you will see the Statue of King John I ( which was moved so you could see it from the Square)
Is that better luz_de)lisboa.
When you are standing in the large Commercial Square facing the beautiful Rua Augusta Arch, ...the street is the next one over to your RIGHT !!...
so just walk over to your RIGHT while still in the Square and look down this street and you will see the Statue of King John I ( which was moved so you could see it from the Square)
Is that better luz_de)lisboa.
