Portraits of Portugal: Journeys through Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto
Posted 8 May 2007 Tagged to Photography, Portugal, Travel 2 Comments
Perhaps it was the promise of old-world European elegance, with mysteriously hidden side-streets and quaint restaurants, or the chance to utilize my meager Brazilian Portuguese. Whatever the reason, Portugal became my second foray into Europe thus far. Between its great food, wonderfully unique scenery, storied history and quick public transport network, this gem on the Iberian peninsula did not disappoint.
As always the case, I had far less time in-country then I would have liked - a mere six days. Despite this, I had laid out an extensive itinerary: a few days in Lisbon, then train-rides north to Coimbra and Porto. The south, with its beach resorts and renown sea-food would have to wait for another trip.
Lisbon
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Built in the early 16th century, Belem Tower serves as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon while also protecting the entrance of the Targus river
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Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, a product of Portugal's 'Age of Discovery', as evidenced by its Moorish and European influences and nautical motifs
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The Tower's ribbed cupola's betray its strong Moorish influences
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With the nearby monastery, the area is a UNESCO heritage site
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The Church of Santa Maria, built to commemorate Vasco da Gama
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The church quickly became the house of prayer for departing seamen
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Elegant residences line the streets around the Baixa Pombalina (or Pombaline Lower Town), rebuilt following the devastating 1755 earthquake
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While darkness descends on Lisbon, as viewed from Castle Sao Jorge, the city begins to awake with the sights and sounds of celebrations
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King Jose I, who rebuilt Lisbon following the 1755 earthquake
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Formerly Ribeira Palace, now rebuilt as Lisbon's commercial center
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The red-hued moon ascends above Lisbon's lower town, Pombalina
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Lisbon's redeveloped and elegant Pombaline Baixa
Coimbra
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The Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra (or simply Jardim Botanico) which was founded by the Marquis of Pombal in the 1770s
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Built to commemorate victory over the Moors, Se Velha was the site of Duke Alfonso Henriques' coronation, making him Portugal's first king
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The vast Jardim Botanico encompasses nearly 13 hectares
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The garden is also a major center for botanical study in Portugal
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The fountain of the botanical garden's Quadrado Central, or central square
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The 16th century Sao Sebastiao (Saint Sebastian) aqueduct
Porto
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The Douro river reflects the town of Vila Nova de Gaia (or simply Gaia), famous for its aged Port wine, as viewed from the banks of Porto
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The lights of Ribeira glisten in the cool night air, the historic center of Porto, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 (Portugal's 8th)
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The majestic iron D. Luis I Bridge towering over the Douro River
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The vivid heights of Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto
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A speeding metro train sets the cool night air ablaze with rushing light
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Intricate azulejos, ceramic tiles, on the facade of Porto Cathedral
Built in the early 16th century, Belem Tower serves as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon while also protecting the entrance of the Targus river
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, a product of Portugal's 'Age of Discovery', as evidenced by its Moorish and European influences and nautical motifs
The Tower's ribbed cupola's betray its strong Moorish influences
With the nearby monastery, the area is a UNESCO heritage site
The Church of Santa Maria, built to commemorate Vasco da Gama
The church quickly became the house of prayer for departing seamen
Elegant residences line the streets around the Baixa Pombalina (or Pombaline Lower Town), rebuilt following the devastating 1755 earthquake
While darkness descends on Lisbon, as viewed from Castle Sao Jorge, the city begins to awake with the sights and sounds of celebrations
King Jose I, who rebuilt Lisbon following the 1755 earthquake
Formerly Ribeira Palace, now rebuilt as Lisbon's commercial center
The red-hued moon ascends above Lisbon's lower town, Pombalina
Lisbon's redeveloped and elegant Pombaline Baixa
The Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra (or simply Jardim Botanico) which was founded by the Marquis of Pombal in the 1770s
Built to commemorate victory over the Moors, Se Velha was the site of Duke Alfonso Henriques' coronation, making him Portugal's first king
The vast Jardim Botanico encompasses nearly 13 hectares
The garden is also a major center for botanical study in Portugal
The fountain of the botanical garden's Quadrado Central, or central square
The 16th century Sao Sebastiao (Saint Sebastian) aqueduct
The Douro river reflects the town of Vila Nova de Gaia (or simply Gaia), famous for its aged Port wine, as viewed from the banks of Porto
The lights of Ribeira glisten in the cool night air, the historic center of Porto, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 (Portugal's 8th)
The majestic iron D. Luis I Bridge towering over the Douro River
The vivid heights of Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto
A speeding metro train sets the cool night air ablaze with rushing light
Intricate azulejos, ceramic tiles, on the facade of Porto Cathedral
[...] Quem, a caminho do trabalho, passa por dois centros comerciais e tem de estacionar na Baixa do Porto, chega a esta altura do ano e só tem uma solução: Metro. (foto) [...]
By Esgravatar » Blog Archive » Xmas season at 6:58 am on 26 November 2007 (#)
Hi, accidentally stumbled upon your site. You take lovely photographs! I visited Porto last year, but only for a day..the bridges were beautiful =)
By mariposa at 6:14 am on 12 June 2008 (#)