Trip to Spain and Portugal- Guimaraes (continued)

Guimaraes is a remarkable historical city in northern Portugal, widely regarded as the birthplace of Portugal. The first Portuguese King, Afonso Henriques (1109-1185), was born there. During the foundation of Portugal, Guimaraes briefly served as the capital city. The city is renowned for its well-preserved medieval buildings, including the hilltop Guimaraes Castle, dating back to the 10th century, which offers stunning views of the city. During our visit, we captured the charm of this picturesque town through these photos.

                                               Monte da Penha-A forest covered hill 

                                The Nossa Sehora da Consolacao church and the garden

Trip to Spain and Portugal - Guimaraes, Portugal (20)

Guimaraes, Portugal is a charming town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. One of the main attractions is the hilltop Guimaraes Castle, which dates back to the 10th century and offers stunning views of the city. Upon arriving in Guimaraes, our first stop was to visit the castle and watch the sunset from there. The castle is surrounded by a lush green park, providing a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Trip to Spain and Portugal _Porto (continued)-Ribeira and Dom Luis I Bridge

Located on the riverbank of the Douro, Ribeira and Dom Luis I Bridge are some of the most picturesque and lively parts of Porto's historic center. Ribeira, in particular, is known for its beauty, with charming buildings and colorful boats lining the waterfront. The Dom Luis I Bridge, which spans the river, offers stunning views of the area and is a popular spot for photos.

Dom Luis I Bridge is an icon of Porto. A double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the River Douro between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Trip to Spain and Portugal - Porto (continued) - Porto Cathedral

Located in the highest part of the city, the Porto Cathedral is just a flight of stairs up from the Air B&B where we stayed. It offers a stunning view of the city and is a must-see attraction. The cathedral was built in a Romanesque style and features intricate carvings and stained glass windows, making it a perfect example of the region's rich architectural heritage

The stair leads to our AirB&B ☺

Trip to Spain and Portugal- Porto (continued) -Sao Bento Train Station

   Sao Bento Train Station is a beautiful historic train station located in the heart of Porto. The station was built in the early 20th century on the site of a former Benedictine monastery and is named after the nearby Sao Bento de Avé-Maria convent. The exterior of the building is a blend of granite and limestone, featuring an ornate facade with intricate carvings and beautiful tilework. Inside, the station's main hall is adorned with more than 20,000 hand-painted blue and white tiles, depicting historic scenes from Portugal's past. The station is also known for its elegant Beaux-Arts style clock and its impressive iron and glass canopy, which spans the length of the platforms. Today, Sao Bento Train Station is one of Porto's most popular landmarks and is used by thousands of commuters and tourists every day.

Sao Bento Train Station is said to be one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe. Here are some photos I took there.