After the fantastic lunch we just had it’s time to keep going. I’m going to take you to the ex-libris of the city – Clérigos Church and Clérigos Tower. Built in the 18th century here you can admire the baroque style. Its exceptional location (the tower is located at a high point of the city) allows you to get a full view of the city. Ready to climb the 225 stairs? Oh come on, don’t complain, you will be fit by the end of our journey. Ok we are now at an altitude of around 75 metres from the ground. It’s not too much if you think about other buildings in the world but it’s enough to ensure you will see a gorgeous view. Look around, isn’t that amazing. Time again to take that picture that you will share with your family and friends later.
Outside Clérigos Tower, the yellow building you are looking at is now the Photography Museum but during the dictatorship period it was a prison especially for those intellectuals who were against the government. The statue beside it belongs to two famous writers: Camilo de Castelo Branco and Florbela Espanca.
Turning left the Clérigos Tower and then right we are going to descend this street and we are heading now to another great spot, Miradouro da Vitória. Enjoy the fantastic view of Douro river and rooftops. You can also spot Porto’s Cathedral. Being a privileged viewpoint some artists gather here to do some drawings/paintings of the city. Do you have the sensation that you are part of a postcard? Remember I told you earlier that one of the characteristics of this city is the narrow streets and the staircases. Leaving Miradouro da Vitória we found our first set of stairs.
Time for some more steps, think how toned your legs will be. I want to take you to the Stock Exchange Palace known in Portuguese as Palácio da Bolsa, you are going to be impressed with the outstanding Arab Room.
Other places of interest in the same area:
- St. Francis Church (Igreja de São Francisco)
- Ferreira Borges’ Market (Mercado Ferreira Borges)
