We had a late start on our first day since it was only a 6 mile hike. We visited Lello & Irmao Bookstore. Built in 1906, this bookstore was reported to be where JK Rowling got her inspiration for Harry Potter. According to her, the rumor is not true. Nonetheless, upwards of 2000 tourists pay €5 to visit it daily. Look at the line and it extended down the block.
Manteigaria makes the best pastel de nata and we had to get it one last time before leaving Porto.
Pastel de Nata--€1.10 each. Be sure to sprinkle powdered sugar and cinnamon on top.
We had a proper start at the Se Catedral. Today, our route would take us from the Se Catedral, along the Rio Duoro to Foz do Duoro and into Matosinhos--6.7 miles, 3:00 hours, 75m up/76m down. We followed the Senda Litoral out of Porto. This route is less marked but it follows the coast so it's easy to find. The true Coastal route heads out to the airport and is mainly on roads. The Senda Litoral is much more pleasant.
It's a little confusing to start. With you back to the Catedral, walk to the left and down a flight of stairs, Escades das Verdades. Follow Rua do Barredo to Rua dos Canastreiros to Praca da Ribeira.
Follow the Rio Douro towards the ocean. The walk is paved and separated from traffic.
"The Messenger" by Irene Vilar, a native of Matosinhos. It was installed in 2001 to bring hope to the people of Porto.
The 2 lighthouses at the inlet to the Rio Duoro.
Fortaleza de São João da Foz stands at the mouth of the Rio Duoro.
Castelo do Queijo is a fortification a little further along the Camino. It was likely constructed in the 15th century.
"She Changes," known locally as anémona, is a sculpture designed by artist Janet Echelman. The installation consists of three steel poles, cables, a 20-ton steel ring and a net structure of varying densities and colors and is thought to be the first permanent public sculpture to use an entirely soft and flexible set of membranes, moving fluidly in the wind.
The Porto Leixões Cruise Terminal.
"Tragedia do Mar" statue in Matosinhos. It commemmorates the 1947 storm where 152 fishermen lost their lives. It left 72 widows and 152 orphans.
The Visitor's Center in Matosinhos--stop to get your stamp.
Lantern Tower of Senhor do Padrao, a monument which marks the place where, according to legend, Bom Jesus de Matosinhos turned up.
2022 09 26
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