Porto (Leixoes), Portugal
Description
View cruises with Porto (Leixoes), PortugalPorto is a fascinating and vibrant city that is rapidly becoming one of Western Europe's most respected tourist destinations. The city boasts an extensive history. There is a lot to see and do in Porto, and this diverse city will appeal to a wide range of visitors. Opening up like a pop-up book from the banks of the Rio Douro, edgy-yet-opulent Porto entices with its historic centre, sumptuous food and wine, and charismatic locals.
The region is famed for the production of Port, which is still stored and matured in the vast cellars that stretch along the banks of the Douro River.
Points of Interest
- Cathedral of Porto
- Stock Exchange Palace
- Douro River
- Guimaraes
- Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary
- Aveiro
More about Porto (Leixoes), Portugal Points of Interest
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Cathedral of Porto -
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the city, the Cathedral was built between the 12th and 13th centuries and features a variety of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic. Inside, you'll find a beautiful stained-glass rose window, a collection of centuries-old sculptures and a silver altarpiece.
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Stock Exchange Palace -
Built in 1834 by the Tradesmen's Association of Porto in the Neoclassical style, its interiors feature a mix of Art Nouveau, Arab and European designs with a fantastic Moorish hall decorated with Arabesque stained glass windows and sculpted wood that imitates Arabic stucco.
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Douro River -
Wine traders would transport wine from the valley to the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia on the Douro River.
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Guimaraes -
Founded in the 4th century, its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, noted as "an extremely well-preserved and an authentic example of the evolution of a medieval settlement."
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Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary -
Located on the slopes of Mount Espinho overlooking Braga, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its magnificent sculptured stairs representing the five human senses that lead to the top.
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Aveiro -
Established in Roman times, the small city of Aveiro sits along a lagoon and is criss-crossed by a series of channels that are traveled by boats called "moliceiros."
