The São Bento Railway Station holds a significant place within the Historic City Centre of Porto, acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and designated as a National Monument of Portugal.

Construction of this remarkable building commenced in 1904 under the architectural guidance of José Marques da Silva, and it took around twelve years to complete. One of the station’s most captivating features is its vestibule, adorned with magnificent panels of azulejo tiles crafted by Jorge Colaço. These exquisite tile compositions, framed by pilasters, were finalized in 1916, just in time for the station’s grand inauguration.

Impressively, there are approximately 20,000 azulejo tiles adorning the walls of the São Bento Railway Station. Among them, the larger panels vividly depict significant moments from Portuguese history. These captivating scenes include the Battle of Arcos de Valdevez, the Conquest of Ceuta in 1415, the legendary meeting between knight Egas Moniz and Alfonso VII of León in Toledo during the 12th century, the ceremonial entrance of King John I and Philippa of Lancaster on horseback to Porto to celebrate their wedding in 1387, and many more.

At the station’s entrance, on the border wall, smaller tile panels showcase rural scenes, depicting a bustling cattle fair, a pilgrim camp, picturesque vineyards, bountiful harvests, the transportation of wine down the Douro River, and even a charming watermill. Additionally, the pilasters that separate the entry doors feature a series of smaller tile compositions, adding further artistic allure to the space.

Above, near the ceiling, a captivating blue and gold frieze embellished with stylized flowers catches the eye, while below it, another polychromatic frieze in an Art Deco style depicts the captivating history of transportation in Portugal.

The Torre dos Clérigos, or Clérigos Tower, is an iconic landmark located in Porto, Portugal. It stands tall in the city’s historic centre and is considered one of the most recognizable symbols of Porto. The tower is part of the Clérigos Church and was designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni in the 18th century.

Construction of the Clérigos Tower began in 1754 and was completed in 1763. It reaches a height of 75.6 meters (248 feet) and consists of six floors. The tower’s architectural style is predominantly Baroque and incorporates elements of Rococo and Neoclassical design.

Visitors can ascend the tower by climbing a narrow spiral staircase composed of 240 steps. The effort is well worth it, as it offers breath-taking panoramic views of Porto’s cityscape. From the top, you can admire the historic centre, the Douro River, the tiled rooftops, and the surrounding landscape, providing an incredible perspective of the city’s beauty.

Renowned as one of the most stunning bookstores worldwide, Livraria Lello is nestled in the heart of Porto, along the historic Rua dos Clerics. It beckons visitors with its captivating Art Deco design, inviting them to embark on a mesmerizing exploration of this iconic establishment. Interestingly, the store has been under the management of the same company, Lugan & Geneliousx Sucessores, throughout its history, preserving its legacy.

The Art Deco style, known for its symmetrical lines and geometric patterns inspired by ancient Egypt, adorns the bookstore. Since its opening in 1906, Livraria Lello has captivated visitors with its splendid stained glass ceiling, intricate wooden staircase, and lavish embellishments. The visionary architect and engineer Xavier Esteves designed the bookstore to withstand the test of time, ensuring its enduring grandeur. The façade of the building blends elements of Art Nouveau and Gothic Revival, adding to its allure.

The meticulously carved wooden shelves, stretching from floor to ceiling, are a sight to behold, inviting book enthusiasts to peruse the treasures they hold. The same exquisite craftsmanship adorns the wooden staircase, with its intricate details and remarkable artistry. Moreover, the glass ceiling adds a fascinating dimension to the space, diffusing warm and enchanting light throughout the entire building.

N.B Unfortunately, the bookshop is no longer free to visit. To regulate the crowds in the bookstore, you must purchase entrance tickets which you must do online through their official website.

Situated in Praca Gomes Teixeira, there are two neighboring churches that capture attention: the Carmelitas Church, dating back to the 17th century, on the left, and the Igreja do Carmo (Carmo Church) on the right. Nestled between these two churches is an intriguing sight—the narrowest house in Porto, measuring just a little over a meter in width. This unique house was built due to the belief that churches should not have adjacent neighbors.

When visiting the area, make sure to admire the impressive side of the Igreja do Carmo. It is adorned with a magnificent large painting crafted entirely from azulejo tiles. Created by the artist Silvestro Silvestri, this artwork is a true visual marvel.

The exact origins of the settlement in Ribeira remain somewhat mysterious. Over time, a riverside community emerged near the confluence of the Vila River and the Douro River. Roman mosaics dating back to the fourth century have been unearthed in the area, hinting at its ancient roots. In the 13th century, Ribeira grew alongside Porto, particularly along the banks of the Douro River and the slopes of Penaventosa hill.

Two distinct settlements took shape. One nestled on the elevated Penaventosa, near Porto Cathedral, while the other flourished below in Ribeira, on the picturesque waterfront of the Douro River. Until the late 14th century, these settlements were interconnected by a labyrinthine network of narrow and confining streets, making navigation quite challenging. The need arose for a new street to penetrate this maze.

Under the initiative of King John I, a new street was created, aptly named “Rua Nova” or New Street. It served as a striking contrast to the intricate web of passages in Porto. Notably, Rua Nova was designed to be straight and unusually wide for its time. It quickly became a prestigious address, attracting the bourgeoisie, clergy, and business class.

The district of Ribeira entices visitors with its enchanting charm. Medieval streets and alleyways lead to the bustling Ribeira Square, a lively waterfront plaza. Adjacent to the Ribeira Wharf, remnants of the 14th century wall serve as a reminder of the district’s historical significance. Beyond this point, the steep and winding paths of Barredo unfold.

As evening sets in, the clubs along the Ribeira Wharf promise a vibrant nightlife for romantic wanderers. In bygone days, this riverside district bustled with commerce and trade. Ribeira Square is adorned with numerous shops and cafes, while a grand fountain graces its northern section. The Ribeira Wharf commences on the western side of the iconic Luis I Bridge, tracing the riverside path to Ribeira Square.

An elevated walkway offers additional shops and cafes, preserving remnants of the old city walls that were once patrolled by vigilant medieval soldiers. Take a seat, indulge in a drink, and watch the river flow, just as they did centuries ago. Time glides by effortlessly, mirroring the tranquil current of the river itself.

The Funicular dos Guindais in Porto is a charming transportation system that provides a unique and scenic way to travel between the riverside area of Ribeira and the bustling Batalha neighbourhood, located at a higher elevation.

The funicular was inaugurated in 1891 and was originally steam-powered, serving as an important mode of transportation for the locals. Over the years, it underwent several renovations and modernizations to ensure its continued operation and safety.

The funicular is a short but enjoyable ride, offering passengers breath-taking views of the Muralhas de D. Fernando (Porto City Walls), Douro River, the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and the picturesque cityscape of Porto. As the carriages ascend or descend the steep slope, visitors can marvel at the charming architecture and vibrant colors of the surrounding buildings.

In the year 868, Vimara Peres, a nobleman hailing from Asturias and born in 820, successfully conquered the Moorish-held territories situated north of the Douro River. Among the towns he captured was one known as Portus Cale. Over time, Portus Cale evolved into Portucale, the county that Vimara Peres would rule, eventually giving rise to the city of Porto. The highest hill within Portus Cale, named Penaventosa, became the chosen site for the construction of Porto Cathedral.

Previously, the hill had been home to a Suebian Church. In the 12th century, efforts commenced to build the cathedral, albeit with intermittent progress along the way. Eventually, in 1737, the construction was deemed complete. Porto Cathedral stands as an awe-inspiring example of Romanesque architecture within the city. Positioned atop Penaventosa, it assumes a fortress-like position, commanding a view over the town below.

The cathedral is characterized by twin square towers, each reinforced with buttresses and crowned with a cupola. Its western façade showcases Gothic ornamentation from the 15th century. Additionally, an impressive Gothic cloister, created in 1736 by Nicolau Nasoni—an architect originally from Tuscany who settled in Portugal—enhances the cathedral’s grandeur.

Towards the northern side of the cathedral, a baroque porch and a Romanesque rose window can be found beneath a crenelated arch, further accentuating the fortress-like ambiance. The nave, covered by a barrel vault, possesses a modest width. Noteworthy elements within the cathedral include the baroque apse adorned with paintings by Nasoni and the intricately designed altarpiece of the chapel by Santos Pacheco. The south transept captivates visitors with its embellishment of blue azulejo tiles, a characteristic feature of Portuguese tilework.

Entrance to Porto Cathedral itself is free of charge, allowing visitors to explore its grandeur without any cost. However, there is a nominal fee required to access the Sacred Art Museum and the breathtaking Gothic cloisters that are connected to the church. These additional areas offer an opportunity to delve deeper into the cathedral’s historical and artistic treasures.

For those seeking an adventurous ascent, it is also possible to climb the tower, although it’s worth noting that the steps are steep and plentiful. The reward for those who make the journey upward is a magnificent panoramic view, encompassing not only the immediate surroundings but also providing a closer look at parts of the cathedral that may be hidden from sight at ground level.

The banks of the River Douro boast a sturdy foundation of granite. Notably, there are two bridges spanning the river, situated less than a mile apart: the Luis I Bridge and the Maria Pia Bridge, named after King Luis I of Portugal and his royal consort, Queen D. Maria Pia. Both bridges share a striking resemblance, featuring impressive iron webs and arches that support the passage across the river.

The reason for their similarity is quite straightforward. The D. Maria Pia Bridge was masterfully designed by Gustave Eiffel, renowned for his iconic tower in Paris. In the case of the Dom Luis I Bridge, its design was entrusted to Teophile Seyrig. Seyrig had previously collaborated with Eiffel on the construction of the D. Maria Pia Bridge as well as the illustrious Eiffel Tower. The Luis I Bridge spans a distance of 564 feet, with a height of 146 feet.

A distinguishing feature of the Luis I Bridge is its unique two-level structure. One level crosses over the highest point of the arch, while the other hangs beneath it. Initially, both levels were intended for road traffic. However, in modern times, the top level serves as a passage for Metro trains, alongside pedestrian walkways. Walking across the upper level of the bridge provides an exhilarating experience that should not be missed.

From this vantage point, the views are unparalleled. One can behold the magnificent Porto Cathedral and the Tower of the Clergymen, which prominently dominates the old Porto skyline. The combination of architectural marvels and the picturesque riverside setting creates a captivating panorama for all who gaze upon it.

Nestled within a meticulously restored 18th-century building by the riverside, this upscale port-wine establishment exudes a sophisticated ambiance, celebrating the essence of port in all its glory. Step inside and discover a world of indulgence and refinement.

The main attraction is a stylish shop that not only offers a curated selection of port wines but also serves as a venue for tastings. Immerse yourself in the flavors and aromas as you sample a variety of port wines, with options available by the glass starting at €3, or indulge in a trio of ports for €9.50. Each sip is a journey of sensory delight.

For breath-taking panoramic views, ascend to the rooftop terrace, where you can revel in the beauty of your surroundings while savouring the finest port wines. The idyllic setting provides a perfect backdrop for moments of relaxation and contemplation.