Page 35 - MASALA VOL 8 ISSUE 3 DECEMBER 2016 – JANUARY 2017

PORTO

Porto, a compact version of the bustling
capital city of Lisbon, has everything you
need, only a short walk away. The city will
leave a warm feeling of home and comfort
lingering inside you as you get yourself
acquainted. The prominence of Azulejo,
painted, and tin-glazed ceramic tiles, will
catch your attention right away. These
beautifully crafted tiles line the city’s walls
on churches, schools, restaurants, bars or
even ordinary houses. Formally used as
a method to control temperatures inside
homes, Azulejo today has been transformed
into an important element of art and culture
embedded, quite literally, into Portugal.
Old town skyline from across the Douro River

From left to right: Ponte Dom Luis bridge; Clérigos tower; Colourful houses in the old town of Ribeiro, Porto

The Douro Valley, with its
river running through Porto,
is home to some delectable
wines, and is especially
famous for its Port wine.
Spend some time exploring
the Port wine cellars, or
simply find a nice spot along
the river to take in the bright
blue skies while enjoying
a glass of Douro wine. For
panoramic city views, make
Douro Valley your way to the Ponte Dom
Luis, an old bridge that
crosses the Douro river,
or climb up the Clérigos
Tower (Church Tower). To
experience an authentic
Portuguese meal head to
Tapabento, a traditional
tapas restaurant.

Port wine cellar in the Douro Valley Tapabento tapas restaurant

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