Hello dear friend, it has been awhile hasn’t? Honestly, I needed to take a break from blogging and then wedding season came However, I am back and have a few pictures from my trip to share with you! Prior to the end of this year’s wedding seasson I took two friends up on their offer to visit them in Porto, Portugal. It was perfect timing, I needed a getaway to tame this incurable case of wanderlust that I am forever inflicted with. I heard so much about Portugal from other friends and was so excited to discover a new city. The three planes I needed to take to get there did not matter to me at all.
Prior to heading to the Iberian Peninsula the forecast predicted rain all week. Bummer, right? In the past a weather forecast like that would disappoint me but I learned that destinations can become quite interesting when the weather isn’t picture perfect. I’ve stumbled upon hidden shops, cafes, and art galleries in cities that I would have missed if it was a sunny day that begged me to be outdoors. With that in mind I was still excited. You can imagine how surprised I was to find that the forecast changed. It rained , lightly, the afternoon I arrived and never again for the entire duration of my trip. The weather was unseasonably warm for October and we took full advantage of it. I was so grateful for Mother Nature’s gift.
Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal that lies on the Douro River. The city is rich in history and culture which is evident at every turn in its people, architecture, food, and of course let us not forget the wine. The world famous Port wine from this region’s valley is stored on the coast of the Douro River. With one foot firmly rooted in its historic past and one in the ever changing present. Porto has managed to maintain its unique European charm. Cobblestone streets and monuments dedicated to the cities heroes gives you a glimpse into the cities history filled past.
I could go on and on about Porto but pictures can do a much better job of portraying this wonderful city that I fell in love with. I took so many pictures during this trip but here is a roundup of how beautiful it was.
A view overlooking the Duoro River andThe Dom Luís Bridge in Porto.
Cobbletone streets and trolley tracks…the old and new on the streets of downtown Porto.
What’s a European city without narrow alleys to discover? Porto is filled with many interesting alleys and shops perfect for wandeing tourist and natives alike to shop in.
The Carmo Church by the Order of Carmelites was built in the latter part of the 18th century. Guests are welcomed by the the sculptures of the prophets Elias and Eliseu.The side of the building is covered in beautiful blue and white tile portraying the Carmalite life. We took a aquick peek inside the church beautfully ornate rococo style/baroque interior.
The Duoro valley is beyond picturesque. The mountains that cradle this valley creates the perfect climate for the vineyards. The beauty of this valley and its mountains is why this area is a UNSECO World Heritage Site. The salmon and pink colored venue to the left is called the Six Senses Resort and it is absolutely gorgeous…and perfect for a destination wedding.
Ribeira, Douro’s riverfront is was the view we had from the restaurant we had lunch the day after I arrived. Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and is located at the Duoro River estuary where the mouth of the Duoro River at the Atlantic Ocean meet.
Rooftoops in Porto and a peek of the cathedral. Clérigos Tower was and still is the tallest tower in Portugal. It was errected between 1754 and 1763.
This chapel! On our back from the Duoro Valley we droved to Miradouro de S Leonardo em Galafura. Many have called the veiw from here the best view to see the Duoro Valley. They were right.
A typical sunny day in the city of Porto.
Liberdade Squre and the King Peter IV by French sculptor Anatole Calmels. The king is holding the constitution that he fought hard to defend during the Portuguese Civil War.
This is me taking in all the beauty of the incredibly majestic views of Miradouro de S Leonardo em Galafura. It was surreal and humbling to see how truly beautiful this country truly is. Looks like the sun and I are having a conversation…and we were.
