About this experience
Take a look at Porto through the eyes of a hunter! Small churches, streets with stepped architecture, the Se Cathedral, an ancient bookstore saved by Harry Potter books, the towering Clérigos Bell Tower, port wine, and Porto's symbol - the lacework Luís I Bridge - await you. I will tell you about the history, share notes about the Portuguese, and help you understand this energetic city.
What to expect
A fascinating history
You will see the city as a mirror reflecting the past of the whole country and learn about the memory left from rich Portugal. You will hear exciting historical stories about the centuries-old secrets of stone churches, about kings, about the failed Arab conquest, and about life in exchange for the city. You will also learn about the mysterious hatred towards the Lisbonites and the historical pride of being the 'intestines' of your city.
Porto essentials
You will admire the corners you have seen in pictures and postcards. Explore the Se Cathedral - the place where the city was born, and walk to the Railway Station to admire the azulejos. Visit the Freedom Square, where you will see the city hall - I will tell you about the political and economic peculiarities of Portugal. Additionally, you will enter an ancient bookstore, whose elaborate interiors served as the prototype for the library in 'Harry Potter'.
Grand stories of small churches
Throughout the tour, you will get acquainted with the remarkable churches of Porto. You will learn about the features of two small churches on Lions Square, will peek into the lacework Catholic Church of the Clérigos, where you can optionally climb the bell tower to enjoy the view of the city. Here I will tell you about the author of the magnificent Clérigos - the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni - and his contribution to Porto's architectural appearance.
Lacework bridge and satellite city
Admiring the stepped architecture, you will descend to the river to see how the Douro flows into the ocean. You will admire the city from its symbol - the Luís I Bridge, created by a student of Gustave Eiffel, and nearby you will encounter the architect's first work. On the bridge, I will tell you about Vila Nova de Gaia - Porto's satellite city known for its numerous cellars storing Portuguese port wine.
Organizational details
Entrance tickets are not included in the tour price: Clérigos Bell Tower - €6; Lello Bookstore - €7; Stock Exchange Palace - €9; Church of Saint Francis - €8; Se Cathedral - €3.
