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Livraria Lello

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    • TravelerPorto and Ghent
      1
      Day 2

      Our accommodation

      January 5 in Portugal ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

      The building is on a great little street with lots of shops and bars and restaurants. The apartment is a great size. It's not fancy
      , but very comfortable. We had dinner at a fancy burger spot. The food was delicious. We had a great first day.Read more

    • Camino Portuguese
      11
      Day 19

      Day 14 Malaposta to Porto

      May 9, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

      Since we were staying in a pretty nice hotel, we decided to sleep in and take advantage of their breakfast before we started, therefore we got a little later start today. There was a light rain when we started and the morning was mostly overcast making for nice hiking. There was also a nice breeze all day even when the sun came out making for a pretty delightful day. Unfortunately, the scenery was pretty boring. Think about walking around your suburban neighborhoods for 17 miles. That's what today was. We saw nice areas, run down areas, some shops, restaurants, and some businesses all on cobble stone roads, then repeat. We had a little bit of eucalyptus wooded area and one monastery for a little variety, but really pretty boring. We added some steps and a hill because we missed an arrow! But walking into Porto made up for it. What a beautiful city! We are taking a two day rest from walking so we can explore the city of Porto.

      We saw our Mexican friends early in the day once but that was it for anyone we knew. Saw very few pilgrims going our way.

      This week in Porto, students at that university are celebrating the end of the year of studies. There was a parade today (before we got here) and the square we had to walk through had thousands of students wearing top hats and canes as well as the traditional school robe. The color of their hat reflected their course of study. They have activities planned for the week.

      Trivia note - JK Rowling spent two years in Porto after her mom died. There were many Portuguese influences that have appeared in her Harry Potter books, including the cloaks that university students wear.      Read more

    • TravelerPorto and Ghent
      11
      Day 3

      Porto: Day1

      January 6 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

      We slept in pretty late. I guess we needed to catch up on our rest. It was a very sunny day today. A nice change from our arrival to Porto. We walked over the Ponte Luis bridge to the Gaia district. There was a nice park and some interesting viewpoints to look at the Douro River. We are lunch at a local sandwich shop. The food was very well priced and delicious. I had Caldo Verde soup and a beef sandwich. We then walked along the river bank, which has shops, booths selling things, and restaurants. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped to get some groceries. After a bit of a rest, we will have dinner at the Porto Time Out Market. I am excited.Read more

    • TravelerUnser Camino
      1
      Day 3

      Sightseeing in Porto

      April 23, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

      durch die Altstadt hoch zur Kathetrale, Pilgerausweise mit dem ersten Stempel erstanden,
      dann über die zweietagige Bogenbrücke Ponte Luis die über den Douro führt,
      auf der anderen Uferseite wieder hinunter ans Ufer, Toristenschnullistände abgeklappert und echt portugiesisch zu Mittag gegessen,
      zurück ins Hotel und eine Stunde Siesta gemacht - von 15-17:30 Uhr ;o),
      mit der historischen Straßenbahn Eléctrico durch die Stadt immer am Douro lang zum Atlantik gerattert und wieder zurück
      Abendstimmung in Porto genossen..      Read more

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    • TravelerUnser Camino
      1
      Day 2

      Porto

      April 22, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

      Nach einem lecker Frühstück bei Caro & Thomas sind wir mittags bei 2 Grad Niesel mit Ryanair abgehoben und bei 25 Grad strahlendem Sonnenschein in Porto gelandet. Unser Gepäck war in unserem Flieger ;o) und der Transfair in unser kleines Hotel in der Altstadt von Porto hat super geklappt. Haben heut schon die erste Erkundungstour unternommen. Viele belebte Gässchen, sehr bergig, Kaffee an Kaffee, Weinbar's, kleine Restaurants... Südländisches FlairRead more

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    • TravelerSpain & Portugal 2023
      Day 7

      Porto Scavenger Hunt - Stop 3

      September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

      》Livraria Lello (The Famous ‘Harry Potter’ Bookstore)

      Considered the third most beautiful library in the world. The store has an excellent neo-gothic façade, where you can see two figures painted by José Bielman, representing the Science and the Art. This facade is only surpassed by its stunning interior, designed by Xavier Esteves.

      The building was inaugurated on January 13th, 1906, in an important social event for both Portuguese and Brazilian societies, attended by famous people from different spheres – among them Guerra Junqueiro, a renowned Portuguese writer.

      As you walk through the doors of this bookstore you’ll notice that there is a marvelous stairway and the wooden walls are also very exquisite. The stained glass ceiling adds an amazing detail with Lello’s motto “vecus in labore”.

      Rumor has it that J.K. Rowling’s inspiration to write Harry Potter has begun in Porto, particularly at this library. The well-known writer lived in Porto for 10 years working as an English teacher in the early 1990s and she used to drink a cup of coffee at the second floor of Lello’s bookstore. There are indeed great similarities between Lello’s bookstore staircase and the one described in Hogwarts.

      It is also believed that the Hogwarts’ costume was inspired by the costumes of college students in Portugal, composed of a black suit and a black coat – these students are very likely to be found around this area, as the headquarters of the Porto University are located at Praça Gomes Teixeira (up ahead, where you can find a Lion’s fountain, hence the nickname “Praça dos Leões” – Lions’ Square, as the locals call it).      Read more

    • TravelerPorto and Ghent
      Day 6

      Casa do Infante (Historical site)

      January 9 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

      We wanted to try and visit a museum or some other historically significant site. Hugh found us an interesting one called Casa do Infante. The structure was had two towers and was just off of the shore of the Douro River. It was a building dedicated to managing the importing of goods (and collecting the appropriate taxes), and also a mint to produce coins. Some other notable aspects were the recent discovery of evidence of very old Roman use of the site (mosaic floors) from the past, and that it was thought to be the birthplace of Infante D Henrique. Henry the Navigator was sponsored many Portuguese expeditions in the age of discovery. The museum was well priced and provided lots of information. The large diorama had voice over to discuss points of interest. It used an automated laser pointer to highlight the buildings on the large model. The other photos in this post are interesting things we say on our walk through Porto today.Read more

    • TravelerPorto and Ghent
      Day 5

      Having a few beers..

      January 8 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

      We researched online the best place for beers in Porto, and it appeared that Catraio was the place to go. We were not disappointed. They didn't brew their own beer but had 15 beers on tap. The atmosphere was very fun and cool. They had seating on the main level, and then the Beer Garden, which was a rooftop patio. It was a super fun night out. We tried four small beers each. One of the bartenders was a guy from Chicago. We had a good conversation with him. After a few beers, we decided to order food. Hugh had carbonara pasta, which was really good. I had mushroom risotto with truffle oil. It was fantastic. It was nice to be out and about later than 900pm, lol. We are now back in the apartment having a nightcap of port.Read more

    • TravelerPorto and Ghent
      Day 5

      Porto Day3:

      January 8 in Portugal ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

      It rained very hard this morning. By the time we were ready to get out, it had stopped. We had to decide between two spots to explore today. We chose the Super Bock Dome a d all of the gardens surrounding it. We chose very well. Even though it was cloudy, the beauty and calmness of the park was very present. There were many levels, terraces, balconies overlooking various gardens. I could only imagine how gorgeous it would be in summer with all of the flowers planted. We explored every inch of the area. One of the most unique details was the birds. I have seen ducks and geese near fountains and in parks, but not peacocks, hens, roosters, and other types I had never seen before. The paths all lead to interesting things. One trail walked up past a pond to a Lutheran chapel. Another path led us to a mini tower and balcony over looking the river. I would highly recommend visiting that area. Before heading back to our apartment, we stopped for lunch at a restaurant called Churrasqueira Palacio. The servers did not speak English but were very welcoming and helpful. We shared a bottle of vino verde. It was dry and delicious (and only €10). In Portugal, the servers just bring you appetizers. You can deny them, and then you don't have to pay for them. Today, we accepted them all, lol. A selection of fritters, bread, and olives were a great warm up to our meal. Hugh ordered soup and fried cod, and i ordered roasted octopus. We both ordered half portions and were stunned by the size of the servings. Our meals were really delicious, and very filling. As per our usual schedule, we are resting before heading out for the evening. Tonight, we will visit a local brewery for a few beers and snacks.Read more

    • TravelerPorto and Ghent
      Day 4

      Porto Day2:

      January 7 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

      After a coffee and some people watching, we did a quick walk through of the Porto Municipal building. Afterwards we decided to visit Porto Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace. It was only €6 Euros and included both buildings. The Cathedral was stunning and had a tower to climb with great 360-degree views. Hugh and I both nearly fell down the stairs on the way down. Lol. The Bishops palace is a stately home thst housed the Bishop in the past. It was really interesting to see the decor, the artwork and the treasures on display. On the way back to our apartment, we stopped for a beer and cheeseburger at TGB - The Good Burger Co. They were done slightly rare but tasted amazing. While walking to the grocery store, we discovered a market. Tonight, we are hanging around the apartment to rest up for tomorrow. I think we are still a bit tired from the journey here.Read more

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