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Why do so many Germans now want to emigrate to Portugal (Part IX)?

Last time we talked about postage and Instagram, and I thought this deserves its very own article, which I will put together for you below. Starting with this, what made the jury give Porto this title in 2019? Well, it starts with Harry Potter and the successful books in which many fans saw the Lello library in Porto as...

03 Apr 2024 min reading

Why do so many Germans now want to emigrate to Portugal (Part IX)?
Last time we talked about postage and Instagram, and I thought this deserves its very own article, which I will put together for you below. Starting with this, what made the jury give Porto this title in 2019?
Well, it starts with Harry Potter and the successful books in which many fans saw the Lello library in Porto as an inspiration for the author J.K. Rowling and her books, which later turned out to be incorrect, because J.K. Rowling has never been to this library.
So, I hereby invite you on a tour of the best ten places for your new Instagram photo in Porto. These are the most beautiful places in the city that contributed to this award.
In the first place is the Lello Library: the staircase of the centuries-old bookshop in the city center of Porto is one of the most photographed elements in the unconquered city of Invicta, as Porto is also called. But there are also some details inside, such as the large stained-glass window on the ceiling, which bears the monogram and the motto of the bookstore: "Decus in Labore".
The second attraction is the Ribeira. It is part of the historic center and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The vibrant colors of its houses in harmony with the Douro shore make every photo a true follower hotspot.
The third Instagram motif is the church of Santo Ildefonso. It was built between 1709 and 1739. What makes them so unique are the ornate tiles by Jorge Colaço (1932) that tell the story of Saint Ildefonso. This church is the most photographed in Porto.
This is followed in fourth place by the neighboring churches, Carmo Church and the Church of Carmelitas. Both churches were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Both stand out for their architecture and the carvings inside; both are considered the most remarkable buildings of the Rococo period in Porto.
In fifth place we find the beautiful gardens of the Palácio do Cristal (Crystal Palace), not to be confused with the Crystal Palace of East Berlin. The romantic gardens of the "Palácio de Cristal" cover an area of eight hectares in the center of Porto and were designed in the 19th century by the German landscape architect Émille David in connection with the construction of the Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace). The view of the Douro River is unique and is considered the selfie motif here.
The sixth most photographed motif by visitors to the Undefeated City is the "Largo da Pena Ventosa". This place is immensely popular with couples in love as a photo motif for the followers of their Instagram accounts. The colors of the houses, typical of Porto, bring life and emotion to each photo. Some people love to spontaneously dance in its midst here!
The seventh motif is a lighthouse. The Felgueiras Lighthouse, this old lighthouse was built in the neoclassical style and is ten meters high and has a hexagonal plan. It is one of the most photographed subjects on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the city of Porto. The effect of the waves hitting the lighthouse is very popular with visitors because it is so dramatic.
As an eighth motif for your Instagram account or just as a photo collection for the family, you should visit the Nova Sintra Park. This park belonged to the British Reid family and was acquired by the Porto City Council in 1932. The botanical diversity, the vast grove, the landscapes facing the river and the architecture of the fountains and drinking fountains make the Nova Sintra Park a unique experience that you should not miss if you come to Porto.
Almost at the end does not mean that it will be less spectacular. Because in ninth place is another architectural feast for the eyes that you should visit when you are in Porto. Built in the mid-18th century, the Palace of Freixo is one of the most remarkable buildings of the Portuguese Civil Baroque, and the interior of the plasters with its frescoes and gardens also make this place so interesting for your next selfie and group photo.
Finally, we come to the place I like to visit the most, because there are a few cafes and small bars where I can watch the sunset shimmering over the Douro River with a good glass of port wine or a cocktail. This is the Jardim do Morro, located on the other side of the Douro River. I can reach it easily and on foot if I cross the 395-meter-long Eiffel Bridge to Gaia on foot, or by metro. This place and a boat trip on the Douro should be planned, as well as a wine tasting in one of the wine cellars on the riverbank if you want to travel to Porto.

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