Oporto views, Porto

The Palace was home of the International Exposition of 1865 and, in 1956, was replaced by a multi-purpose pavillion.
The gardens of the palace date back from the end of the 19th century.
From here we can enjoy a magnificent view over the Douro River and both Porto and Gaia.

The river side of the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river is not as impressive as the Porto side.

For one it is more open and the many cellars or caves and tasting rooms for the Port wine establishments are scattered on the hillside behind the quay. Again the cobbled streets and narrow lanes lead up the hill, yet the hill is not as steep to start with.

I chose to visit the Offley Cellar and mingled with a group of tourists as we were guided thru the Vinho de Porto or Port wine making and bottling process. At the end we tasted the port and many bought a bottle or two, to satisfy our tastes. The visitors included travellers from Italy, The Netherlands and Finland.

Another view from the south side of the river, catches a little of Porto side of the river and then flows west to the sea. A more modern bridge is just visible crossing the river, carrying cars, trucks and buses.

The area to the west by the bridge is called Foz and is a locale for Clubs and night life in the newer more commercial area.

The walk is just a few minutes and leads to a quay side that has more space but less character that the one just left behind.

The view shows the north bank of the river and the very large building is the Bishop's Palace, near the Cathedral, but the Cathedral stands a little further back, so is not visible.

Walking east along the Douro river the quay side soon disappears and a road way takes the place of the people plaza.

The massive bridge, the Ponte de Dom Luis 1, designed by the builder of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, seems similar in style, black girders thrust across the river carrying road traffic at an upper as well as a lower level. There is room for pedestrains and this is a convenient way to cross the river and see what is on the other side.

There is a mix of tiny restaurants ,small shops for tourist items, a market area, including fish and produce as well as gangways to the small cruise boats that ply the river.

Behind the open area there are apartments and possibly small businesses all seemingly crowded into a small place.

The old town area spills over from the Cathedral and also from the main square in the city, south of the City Hall. The streets are both steep and cobble stoned and if you chose a back lane you have to have a good sense of direction since they wander all over the place, ever down and sometimes almost passing through some of the houses.

Always passing bright coloured hoses, sometimes the washing is being done in large, covered but open sided places.

Regardless the hour of the day or the location, Duoro River always offers remarkable views to those who look for them. Apparently, this could be applied both to visitors and local people, as standing in a bridge looking at the river seems to be one of their preferred activities. Maybe Porto's people know how to wonder about the philosophical implications of a flowing river, applying those conclusions to their common lives. Maybe it is better to be next to the river doing nothing than being at home suffering their wife and children. I'll leave you the pleasure to decide by yourself ;-)