Days two and Three,Oporto

18 Feb

This sculpture greets you as you leave Sao Bento Metro, and walk up the hill to the Cathedral
There is evidence of neglect in this area,lack,of civic money,perhaps,given the current financial problems,but the washing lines,tumble down edges of buildings,enhance the domination of the Se – Porto’s Cathedral – it is authentic.No Vatican-Papal fussiness,nor Wesminster security.Untroubled , welcoming and relaxing

That would not have been the case for those pilloried in the square,centuries ago.

Walking down this ancient lane,behind the Cathedral.

Unfortunately,Our Lady had just popped out for the day,nevertheless our good fortune took us to coffee on the Cais de Ribeira,respite before a recommended visit to Igreja de San Francisco.
The Igreja de São Francisco is the most prominent Gothic monument in Porto, Portugal, being also noted for its outstanding Baroque inner decoration. It is located in the historic centre of the city, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is a Museum now,rather than a parish church.

it also contains ancient,burial sites,including an ossuary.
The authorities banned in – church burials since 1866.

After lunch,a tram trip along the estuary,where we watched some awesome breakers, rolling in….

A fishing boat surrounded by avaricious gulls.

We parted company,back in town and I went to view the history of Portugal,as depicted in the tiles of the Estaco de Sao Bento.
( any excuse to look at trains!)

You can buy any number of “Open Top Bus” tours, but the Andante ticket for three days’ travel on metro and train, was brilliant value.
The Casa de Musica, few stops on the Metro.
The Monumento aos Heroism de Guerra de Penninsular

Later,an Aperitif of Porto Branco,followed by a Fish feast in the Ribeira.
The following morning was largely taken up by a trip on the Cable Car,from the Jardim de Moro down to the Quayside.