Portugal Immigration and Portugal Travel Guide: The Douro River flows through the city, with the Dom Luís I Bridge connecting the past and present of this city. It is home to one of the world's ten most beautiful train stations and one of the three most beautiful bookstores. Colorful wine boats of various sizes dock along the riverbank, as if the melodious songs of the boats are drifting across the water. The wine cellars on the shore stand in rows, and stepping into one brings a rich aroma of wine, inviting you to taste a glass, sweet and delightful, just like this charming city, intoxicating and fragrant.
Ribeira Quay and Surroundings
In 1996, UNESCO recognized the area from Ribeira Quay to Ribeira Square as a World Heritage Site, located in the heart of the old Porto city, adjacent to the Douro River. This area is a favorite among Porto residents and tourists, filled with countless bars, cafes, and restaurants, bustling with smiling faces both day and night. The charming medieval architecture, ancient alleys, the Porto wine cellars across the river at Gaia, the Dom Luís I Bridge, and the traditional rabelo boats floating on the river... these are all favorites among visitors. Some say this is the most romantic place in Porto, and indeed, dining under the medieval arches with a loved one is a wonderful experience.
Calem Winery
Calem Winery was founded in 1859 by António Calem, and by the end of the 19th century, Calem wines were already being marketed overseas. The winery's logo features a sailing ship, symbolizing Calem wines sailing to various parts of the world. Visitors can tour the winery in Porto, where a small portion of Calem's winemaking equipment is displayed. The tour includes explanations from staff, and at the end, you can taste a small glass of both red and white wine. Portuguese wines tend to be sweet, and if you like them, you can purchase them at the winery at very reasonable prices.
São Bento Station
Living up to its title as one of the ten most beautiful train stations in the world, it may not be grandiose, but it is the most fresh and elegant train station I have ever seen. The station hall is adorned with 20,000 tiles depicting some famous battles in Portuguese history and the daily life of the Portuguese people, with a predominant blue color that brings a pleasant mood.
Lello Bookstore
Founded in 1906, Lello Bookstore has been rated by Lonely Planet as one of the three most beautiful bookstores in the world. The bookstore is very old, and as you walk in, the old floor creaks, and the beautifully curved staircase with soft lines is particularly striking. The bookstore is not large, but the second floor is relatively spacious compared to the first, with small sofas for guests to rest. Since its opening in 1906, no matter when you enter this bookstore, you will be amazed by its beauty. Accustomed to concrete bookstores, facing this neo-Gothic style bookstore, with its exquisite carved staircase and colorful stained glass skylight, you will surely linger. Choose a good book for yourself and savor the cultural environment and artistic atmosphere here, temporarily forgetting the restless world.
Clérigos Tower
An absolute landmark building in the center of Porto, its height makes it the easiest attraction to find, visible from various angles of the old town, and it may be the first ancient building to catch your eye upon arriving in this city. The tower stands 76 meters tall and has six levels. Completed in 1763, it was once the tallest building in the country, and due to its prominence, ships arriving in Porto would always use it as a lighthouse and symbol of Porto. This tower is part of the church of the same name, commissioned by the charitable organization Irmandade dos Clérigos Pobres and designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, a typical 18th-century Baroque church, with a beautifully crafted facade. Whether it is the intentionally left broken triangular shape that differs from other traditional buildings, the carved garlands and shells above, or the altar carved from colored marble inside the church, all are noteworthy. It also once housed a hospital, spreading God's charity. The designer did not receive any payment at the time, only receiving a symbolic amount many years later.
Dom Luís I Bridge
Among the many bridges in Porto, the one with the best scenery is undoubtedly this iconic structure of Porto—the Dom Luís I Bridge. This double-deck iron bridge connects Gaia and the old town of Porto and was designed by the famous designer's apprentice, Teófilo Seyrig. The bridge is over 70 meters high, with a span of 395 meters and a width of 8 meters. The upper level is for the D Line metro, while the lower level is for vehicular traffic, and it remains one of the longest iron bridges to this day. Standing on the iron bridge, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides.