Porto in 400 words | 02 NOV

With over 1.7 million inhabitants, Porto is the largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Located in the north of the country, next to the mouth of the mighty Duero River, this city enjoys vivid contrasts between its elegant stately villas and the narrow, old streets that make it up, a World Heritage Site.

One of the great tourist attractions of the city is the Avenida dos Aliados with the Plaza da Libertade, presided over by the Conselho or Town Hall. All the white modernist buildings surrounding this square are from the late 19th or early 20th century. They are full of details where the sculptures of women and men that stand out from their facades stand out. The main statue of the square is Peter IV on horseback, carved in bronze.

On the other side is the slender Torre dos Clerigos, a bell tower made of granite and marble that forms part of the Church of the Clerics. This monument, of high dimensions, was used as a guide to reach the port of La Riberia. It is in this picturesque Riberira where the most famous bridge of the city stands, the bridge of Dom Luis I.

The Palacio de Cristal, with its imposing gardens, is located in the upper part of Oporto and forms a very pleasant green space. This building has extraordinary views of the mouth of the Douro River into the Atlantic Ocean. Another great palace in Porto is the Neoclassical style Stock Exchange Palace. This splendid monument is the current headquarters of the Porto Trade Association and is located in the heart of the city's historic centre.

The Cathedral of La Sé, built in the highest part of the city, is the most important religious building in Porto. Its construction began in the twelfth century and has suffered in its long existence various reconstructions and therefore, different styles. This cathedral is located in the Batalha district, next to the walls that protected the city and looks like a fortress with battlements.

For those who love literature, and especially Harry Potter, the Lello and Irmao bookshops are a must. This magical Neo-Gothic-style building, near the Tower of the Clergy, is considered the most beautiful bookstore in Europe. Its huge wooden shelves and stairs have been used to shoot some Harry Potter films.

But if there is one thing that makes this Portuguese city famous, it is its wine cellars. These are located in Vila Nova de Gaia, near the Don Luis Bridge and the waters of Ribeira.

Pancho Tours invites you to enjoy this beautiful city and its delicious gastronomy, you don’t want to miss it!