“On the streets of Porto”
Porto, Portugal. May 2019. (12 photos)
This is Part 10 of my Portugal 2019 photo series, and also Part 16 of my Europe 2019 photo series.
Recently I spent a month visiting France and Portugal, with a short visit to Singapore for good measure.
I stayed for 6 nights in Porto, using it as a base for my time in northern Portugal. For now, a final look around from my random wanders in Porto.
“Faces of Porto”
Street art is everywhere in Porto. French artist Guate Mao has several artworks in Porto. His works are mostly portraits taken from photographs of his travels. This one is near the base of the Dom Luis I bridge, a double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the River Douro between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper deck is for pedestrians and trams whilst the lower deck is for pedestrians and cars. Local boys offer to jump off the lower deck for money from passing tourists.
“Oh, Porto!”
Looking across the rooftops, Porto looks a bit rundown, but this is part of the charm and true beauty lies within. In the background is the Torre dos Clerigos, the bell tower of the Clerigos Church and a high point in Porto. It’s a steep climb up the stairs but the views are lovely. I went up about an hour before closing when the crowds had dropped off.
“Monumento a Dom Pedro IV”
In Praca da Liberdade (Liberty Square) stands the statue of King Pedro IV of Portugal, also known as King Pedro I of Brazil, presenting the constitutional charter to Porto.
On his deathbed Pedro begged his wife that Porto be βthe tomb of his heartβ. And so it is that whilst his body is buried in Brazil, his heart is at rest in a church in Porto. According to a chronicler that attended the ceremony of the delivery of Pedro’s heart at the time, it featured βno royal splendor nor luxury, but rather an abundance of tears and nothing short of pure sentimentβ.
“Welcome to Porto”
That’s what this mural entitled “AN.FI.TRI.AO” by Frederico Draw seems to be saying, as you approach the city across the top deck of the Dom Luis I bridge.
“Pixo not dead”
Looks like that police officer has wasted a trip there.
“Along the River Douro”
I might have already mentioned that Porto is a bit run down. Up river from Porto is the beautiful Douro Valley.
“Out and About in Porto”
Porto is a hilly city. But almost every mode of transport is available there, including cars, motorbikes, tuk-tuks, outside elevators, trains, trams, boats, aerial cable cars and funiculars (pictured).
“Walk on by”
Porto is a wonderful place for street photography. Seriously, but for Portuguese context my favourite backdrops in Portugal are the azulejos…
“Igreja do Carmo”
“Capela das Almas de Santa Catarina”
“Fonte dos Leoes”
I suppose that in this modern day and times, no post about Porto would be complete without at least a quick mention of the author J. K. Rowling.
J.K. Rowling lived in Porto from 1991 to 1993 and taught English as a foreign language in Porto. She has been quoted as saying that whilst living in Porto she developed her ideas and storylines for the Harry Potter series, and even got started on the first book. Naturally, stories exist about possible influences in her books taken from Porto, including:
1. The winged lions in the Fonte dos Leoes (pictured) were inspiration for the Gryffindor house symbol.
2. Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, on the block behind me in this photo, was the inspiration for the bookshop in Diagon Alley.
3. The “Bats” of Porto, the university students who wear black capes as regular wear, were the inspiration for the attire of Hogwarts students. The University of Porto is immediately on my left in the photo above.
4. Professor Salazar Slytherin was named after Portugal’s former dictator, Antonio de Oliveira Salazar. Interestingly, 2 blocks in front of me in the above photo is Largo do Professor Abel Salazar.
Other posts in my Oh Porto! photo series include:
Oh Porto!
Oh Porto! (2)
…
In May and June 2019, I visited France, Portugal and Singapore.
This is Part 16 of this photographic series and Part 10 of the posts about Portugal.
How beautiful and interesting! I love to travel around the world with you virtually!
Thank you very much. That’s the beauty of the internet. The world is so close.
Oh the places you go!
Ha! In the process of deciding what gear to take on the next trip, as we speak. π
Need an assistant? π
I’ll add your name to the list. π
List???? Slips you a $20 to move up the list … hahaha
That’ll do it. π
Personally, I prefer places that feel “lived-in” to those that are impeccably maintained. Places that don’t wear a mask. I never get tired of gazing at azulejos. What is it about that shade of blue? A beautiful series, as always.
True, and I find the shade of blue in azulejos quite calming. They invite being admired. Indeed, Porto is a very well lived-in city. I was immediately at ease in Portugal.
Thank you very much, as always, Julie.
I agree with your sentiments!!
I love your series on Porto. It is such a lovely place, and so friendly, Each time I see photos I miss it.
Thank you very much. It’s like well worn pair of jeans. It just feels so right. Porto is very beautiful.
Absolutely!
π
Wonderful images capturing this beautiful Porto. Love the street art. Igreja do Carmo is my favorite.
Thanks. Porto is a delight. The true beauty lies within.
Love the “matching” of pedestrians and wall decor.. cool!
Thanks. Porto is a delight for street photography (and selfies).
It was all going so well until you mentioned HP…
π
LOL. At least those books got children reading with a passion for a while. That was fascinating to see. Thanks, Jude
Really enjoyed your “faces of Porto,” quite marvelous.
Thank you, Sally. The street art in Porto is very vibrant.
Great one
Reminds me how much I do love Porto! We must try and get back up there soon π π Fabulous photos, hon, and I love the old lad on the building.
Thanks, Jo. I think that man on the building is an icon of Porto street art, modelled after the artist’s grandfather. If I were closer, I’d go back to Porto in a flash.
I love that first image, and agree width you about the Azulejos!
Thank you, Sue. Porto is a photographer’s delight.
It certainly is!
π
As usual, I love your point of view and perspective on places I’ve seen or been to. I was in Porto last May (haven’t posted my pictures yet.. I need to catch up on some photo essays on the blog…), loved the colors, atmosphere and air, took a few pics…
Seeing yours, in a totally different light compared to mine is so much fun!
Thank you very much. Yes, we all put own own perspective into our photography. That’s why the photography is never boring.
Please do post your photos from Porto (and elsewhere in your travels) when you get the time.
Fabulous captures and the knowledge you share is very interesting.
Thank you very much.
Hey Mr Draco .. what a great city to photograph …love the shot of the River Douro. And those azulejos are amazing! Donβt think we got to see them when we were there ..
Thanks. Julie. Oh it’s a shame you missed seeing those azulejo walls. They’re quite stunning but no doubt you found plenty of other things of interest to you in Porto.
I love run down and I love such random wanders. You captured its spirit beautifully.
Thank you very much. Porto has a special magic. I don’t know anyone who’s been there and didn’t like it.
I do. My sister. And I wonder to date how come.
Really? She won’t tell you why?
Nooo. She just wasn’t impressed.
Oh.
Yes. Oh.
Wonderful sights and engaging narration. Guess there is never a dull moment in Porto.
Thanks, Porto is a small city with than its fair share of delights.
Wow! Amazing photos and what a lovely place.
Yes, it’s a lovely city. Thank you so much.
Interesting photos! I would like to visit Porto someday.
Hopefully you will, when all this covid drama is over.