2022 Monday, Oct 3

Porto Rest Day

A second rest day in Porto—still plenty to see and do.

5.7 miles walking in the city. Again, there is no Relive video for the day.

2022  Portugal  Camino Portuguese

São Bento train station
Our first stop was at the São Bento train station, from the early 20th century, decorated with over 20,000 tiles. The battle of Valdevez in 1140, depicted here, celebrates when Portugal’s King Alfonso I defeated the Spanish under King Alfonso VII of Leon, securing Portugal’s independence.
D. joão I and Philippe of Lancaster arriving in Porto, São Bento train station
This tile picture celebrates D. joão I and Philippe of Lancaster arriving in Porto.
Henry the Navigator in battle, São Bento train station
This picture shows Henry the Navigator in battle.
Henry the Navigator statue in Porto
A statue of Henry the Navigator in battle dress, next to a globe, looking out to the sea.
Church of São Francisco, a world heritage site, is also known as the gold church
The Church of São Francisco, a world heritage site, is also known as the gold church. Pictures were not allowed inside, but wood carvings painted gold were everywhere. There were interesting stories of the Franciscan friars, including five holy martyrs of Morocco. Christ’s genealogy is also depicted in an unusual tree of Jesse.
Richard getting ready to board a tourist boat on the Douro River
We took a one-hour boat ride highlighting six bridges across the Douro River. It also shows the various transportation modes easily seen from the river: river taxis, a funicular, and air gondolas.
one of the many bridges across the Douro River in Porto
Two bridges as seen from the river.
Henry the Navigator and the Saint of seamen
artistic rabbit in Porto south of the river
Both sides of the Douro River are bustling areas but the south side (opposite the old town Porto) had some interesting art. This Rabbit incorporated all kinds of materials in a collage on the street.
auto tires art in Porto, south of the river
An interesting art exhibit of tires.
street scene art in Porto, south of the river
A zig-zag stairway included cartoonish pictures on each level of its stairway. One picture is portrayed below, showing city workers cleaning up graffiti.
detail of the street scene in Porto
Tom and Becky from New Hampshire
We celebrated a great Porto visit with dinner at the hotel. We were seated next to Tom and Becky, from New Hampshire, also Camino pilgrims.

Comments:

Ann Prazza: Great shots of Porto! Love those tiles and street art! 22/10/03

Reply: They certainly believe in tile pictures. The street art was a surprise! 2022/10/03

Andrea Barraza: Very cool art! Love the rabbit and the fake stairs!!! 22/10/03

Reply: I love it too. Fun to see these surprises! 2022/10/03