Thursday February 27th 2020 | Porto

Porto at Easter, tradition, culture and gastronomy

Porto at Easter, tradition, culture and gastronomy

If you have decided to make a getaway to Porto at Easter, you picked one of the best times of year. Tradition, culture, and of course gastronomy combine to open you the arms of one of the most magical cities in Europe.

Below, we give you a range of recommendations, so that you can enjoy Porto during your Easter holidays. It will be an unforgettable trip. Take note. Let’s start!

 

Getaway to Porto: prepare your trip

Means of transport, documentation, accommodation… we won’t insist anymore on these aspects. Make sure that, although your Holy Week holidays are at the first two weeks of April, you need to conclude it as soon as possible, to avoid surprises.

You chose Porto: first, keep in mind of how many days you have. But also, at this time of year, the days will be longer, with more pleasant temperature (note, with the possibility of rain). Organize your travel schedule, and establish the priorities of your stay: culture, walks, gastronomy.

Think that Porto is not a city where Easter is celebrated in a very traditional way, but it has been World Heritage since 1996. And among its countless attractions, it will offer you a unique offer in its religious heritage, with more than 60 churches in the city.

There are several questions that you must answer. Will you travel as a couple? Will you take a group trip? In family? Porto has been chosen more than once as one of the best welcoming cities in Europe, and it offers you unmissable tourist attractions, whatever the trip you have chosen.

Whether it is the first time you visit Porto or if you are already repeating, the best way to discover the city, is let yourself being advised. On this occasion you’ll be able to access the most unknown secrets of the city in our free tours of Porto. Check out our web and book your spot.

Look for our green umbrella at Liberdade square and you’ll be able to discover most authentic part of the city, which does not appear in the guides.

 

What’s essential in my getaway to Porto?

Well, let’s think. What should I do these days in Porto? Where do I begin? Porto is an easy city to handle. It’s true that you have to consider the hills that overlook the Ribera del Duero, but its streets, its corners and its traditions are certain to surprise you.

 

Portugal is a particularly catholic country, and Easter is lived with special devotion in some places. Porto is one of them, although with a special recollection.

 

Liberty Square

This square is the kilometre 0 of Porto, separating the old part of the city, from the modern one, and where the Avenida dos Aliados begins. At this square you can begin to learn about the history of Porto, and it’s the meeting point for the free tours and other tours of different areas of the city.

A few meters away is located São Bento Railway Station, other of obligatory stops. Dates back to IX century, its interior is decorated with more than 20.000 tiles (Azulejo), that tell us the history of Portugal. The explanation is worth it.

 

Ribeira

The walk along the banks of the Douro is one of the main attractions on any visit to Porto and should never be missed. Day or night, the scenery on both sides of the river is one of the best views of the city. For all audiences; you’ll also find a combination of the authentic city and one of the areas that were adapted to tourism.

Cross the Dom Luis I Bridge, built by Théophile Seyrig, one of Eiffel’s partners who lived two years in the city. You can do it walking, by car or by metro. You’ll arrive at Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can visit port wine cellars.

 

Porto at Holy Week: its churches

In the city of Douro different activities are carried out in the most important churches such as Clérigos, the Cathedral, or São Francisco. You can visit all of them with our experienced guides on the free tour or on medieval tour. 

For this reason, among the visits you cannot discard during your Easter holidays in Porto, you should consider these:

 

Cathedral 

Located in the old town next to the old city walls, it’s the most important religious building in Porto. Porto Cathedral is declared a national monument. Its construction began in the 12th century, and throughout its history, it has undergone several reconstructions, for what it has different styles, although it’s largely baroque. The cloister and its tile decoration are particularly emphasized.

 

São Francisco church 

It’s one of the great artistic heritage in Porto. Even if you’re not a religious buildings lover, the baroque ornamentation of the São Francisco church will impress you. A few meters from Ribeira and next to the Palácio da Bolsa, in the 18th century, there were used more than 400 kg of gold leaf in order to erect this building.

An anecdote: its ostentation led it to remain closed to public, to avoid the population affected by economic hardship. The visit combines the museum and the catacombs, where you can see a pit full of human bones.

 

Clérigos Tower and church

It is a symbol of the city. It’s the higher religious building in Portugal, at 76 meters high (225 steps). It’s a privileged viewpoint for all the city, and it was an reference for the ships that sailed in Douro.

The church, the baroque style, was designed by Nicolau Nasoni, great baroque architect of the city. It has a rococo facade adorned with shells. In the interior stands out the polychromed marble altarpiece and the big central vault.

 

Carmo and Carmelitas Churches

They form a semi-attached complex, but they are two different churches. They are separated by a narrow building, that in times was inhabited, and converts it in a unique monumental ensemble.

On the left side, the Carmelitas church, it was built in the 17th century, being one of the most important temples in the city. The frontage is made of concrete with two floors and pediment. It has the form of latin cross with a single nave.

The Carmo church, dating back to the 18th century, on the right side. It’s decorated in rococo style, it’s all wrapped with a large tile (azulejo) mural, drawn in blue and white colours, as well as typical mosaics that can be seen in other historical buildings in Porto.

 

Porto at Easter: gastronomy

You cannot leave Porto at Easter without tasting some of the typical dishes. A plate of codfish in its many specialities, a francesinha (typical sandwich), the caldo verde (green soup), and, of course, the tripas a moda do Porto cannot be missed on your visit.

What about dessert? Portuguese people, especially the portuenses, have a very sweet tooth, and it won’t be easy to resist the smell of sweets (natas or chocolate salami), that emerges from city sweet shops.

If you want the best, ask our experts! They could advise you on restaurants and specialities that you won’t forget.

 

Porto free tour: let us show you the city

If you are planning your Easter visit to Porto, let us show it to you. Our professionals will explain you the details of the city, the curiosities and details that forms part of the history of Porto.

If you prefer an private tour of the city, don’t hesitate. You may discover the city and its surroundings at your own pace. Book your place now! We want you to remember your Easter visit!

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Labels: Porto