Porto, Part 2

28 March 2012

 
Porto Cathedral is dated to 12th century but underwent subsequent changes.  It is one of the oldest architecture and most important Romanesque momements in Portugal.  Insides are tile panels, cloister, sacrophagi, treasury and sculptures.  Outside is an open square with a high column.  Guarding the catherdal is a hero on a horse, like declaring victory.

If I need to define a distinct characteristic of Portugal churches, it's definitely the tile panels.  Well, tile panels are not limited to churches but as a common decoration for architecture.  The most famous in Porto, perhaps, is at São Bento Station.  The rest are the façades of Carmo and Capela das Almas churches.

One of the recommended sightseeing points is having a drink at Cafe Majestic.  It has been in place since the twenties (1920s).  It is one of the luxury and decorated cafe with chandeliers and mirrors.  In the old days, visitors were from the high society.  Nowadays it serves locals and tourists.  Price level is not at the high end.  Our light lunch of two fresh orange juice and one burger cost 15 Euro.  Good deal. 

On my way to the restroom, an elderly woman sitting alone with a glass of white wine, initiated a conversation (in perfect English) with me.  She hoped that I enjoyed staying in Porto.  This formed a very good impression:  Portuguese are very nice and friendly.  They love their countries and to hear if tourists have a good impression of it.  It is frequently validated during my trip.  One observation in the cafe: it is not uncommon that elderly people sitting alone in the cafe, having wine or a coffee, watching people.  I wonder about the story in the life.

We've got a catalogue of music programme hosted in Casa da Música and decided to go for one.  World class musicians always have performance here.  The price is very reasonable.  We paid 34 Euro for each ticket, a programme for orchestra and a meal at its renowned restaurant.  Half of the price is attributed to the meal.  If you wish to have a ticket only, you can visit fnac at C and A Department Store at the centre.

It so happened  that there was a drink and dinner party for the founders.  We had to wait for more than half an hour before we could take a seat.  We stood at the stuffy corridor.  A pretentious restaurant manager came some time to say, 10 minutes, 10 minutes which turned out to be 40 minutes.  The menu came with a good price but I cannot match the quality and service to the reputation.  The food was OK but not great. Perhaps, a la carte is better.

Casa da Musica was built as part of the project of European Culture Capital in 2001.  It was completed in 2005 and since then became an icon of Porto.  See the unusual configuration.  The design won appreciation for the Dutch architect, Rem Koolhaas.

Casa da Musica is a beloved place for young people during the day.  Youngsters gather around the building for chatting, playing, roller coaster, bicycle practice and performance, etc. 

Though a bit dusty it's definitely a pleasure to walk along the river Douro.  You will pass by the Tram Museum.  Trams are still running around the city.  Enjoy a glimpse of inhabitants' houses.

 

For more about Port, read Part 1 or Part 3.