Top Things to do in Northern Portugal
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Things to do in Northern Portugal, Portugal: The Best Architectural Buildings
Brimming with both history and natural wonder, Northern Portugal is home to Porto, the city that gave the country its name, as well as the important ancient town of Braga. Also here is Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s only national park, a gorgeous wilderness area of mountains, gorges, water features and wildlife. Many picturesque villages and manor houses dot the countryside. Two areas are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alto Douro Wine Region, and the Paleolithic rock art in the Côa Valley.
Restaurants in Northern Portugal
1. Capela da Senhora da Piedade da Quinta
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Two designations resulting from two Marian invocations born in the Medieval Ages are given to this Chapel, built in the place of Quinta: Lady of Piety and/or Lady of Quinta.
2. Casa de Pascoaes
3. Quinta dos Conegos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Extraordinary eighteenth century house in the purest Baroque style and strong influence of Nasoni school.Recently acquired by the city of Maia, will soon be a social and cultural enjoyment space, taking advantage of the main building, several outbuildings and beautiful gardens with several notes that reinforce its baroque spirit. How to get Metro do Porto - Maia Park and stops Forum Maia
4. The Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque, promoted by the Route of the Romanesque, opened to the public on September 27, 2018, in the town of Lousada, Porto. The exhibition concept behind this major venue for the dissemination of historical-cultural heritage stands out for the boldness of its architecture, but also for the multiple interactive experiences provided by its museographic contents. In addition to a reception, a bar and a library, the CIR comprises an exhibition area with approximately 650 square meters, organised in large central foyer and six theme-based rooms: Territory and Establishment of Portugal; Medieval Society; The Romanesque; The Builders; Symbolism and Colour; Monuments Over Time. Thus, the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque emerges as the ideal setting for you to start your journey of discovery of the Route of the Romanesque and its territory of influence, as well as of the art and symbolism that marked Portugal and Europe over in the Middle Ages.
5. Palacio da Bolsa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,347 reviews
National Monument, located in the historical centre of the city, classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Palacio da Bolsa, built by the Porto Commercial Association on the ruins of the Saint Francis Convent, has become by excellence the Porto city’s drawing room, welcoming the most illustrious visitors, amongst which are monarchs, presidents and ministers from almost every country, transforming this building into the most visited monument in northern Portugal.
Reviewed By JimRiesterer - Edina, United States
Formerly the HQ for the rich merchants of Porto and today the center of the chamber of commerce, you will want to take one of the short guided tours of this place next to the famous golden church. Tickets cost €10 and you will be guided through some historic and breathtaking rooms in the Stock exchange palace. Tours are offered in different languages throughout the day and you just need to pop into the ticket office to find out the day's schedule as it varies (apparently). We arrived 9:40 and we able to book the 10:15 English tour. Each group has around 50 people which can be a bit tedious. The tours follow a consistent plan beginning in the lofty hall of nations and ending in the amazing Arabic room. You also see the business court room and several others of note. We were done in a little under an hour.
6. Solar dos Castros
7. Lidador Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
The Torre Lidador is an iconic building of this county representing the opening of a new cycle of progress and development. Having as its primary objective the installation of municipal services, this is a key landmark to a process of sustainable development. The Torre Lidador is a reference in the city, with 92 meters high, being the 5th tallest building in the country and the highest outside the city of Lisbon Being visible from any of the ten parishes of the county is a reference, not only geographical but also illustrative of development, work capacity and entrepreneurial spirit. It represents the transparency and openness of Local Government, the accessibility of the Municipal Council of Maia to citizens. This is an open and transparent workspace. It was inaugurated on July 9, 2001 and its author Architect Antonio Machado
8. Paco dos Duques de Braganca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,845 reviews
Reviewed By iolandaa21 - Lisbon, Portugal
Built in the first quarter of the 15th century its inner space is divided in several rooms, whose artifacts are just stunning - such as those in the Banquet Hall or the Hall of the lost steps, to mention just a few. The roof designed as the interior wooden keel of a boat is worth being admired. I was fortunate enough to have equally watched a temporary exhibit on Medieval torture instruments in one of the upper floor rooms.
9. Mata Nacional do Bucaco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 952 reviews
Reviewed By monteiro1234
We enjoyed a guided tour of the enchanting woods and gardens by a company called Living Place. We highly recommend the guided tour very delightful couple and knowledgeable.
10. Padrao do Salado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Located within the Largo da Oliveiras Square, just outside of the Igreja da Colegiada de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira Church, stands this lovely Gothic Shrine. Construction of the Gothic monument was ordered by Afonso IV to commemorate the Battle of Salado in 1340. A cross stands within this beautiful architectural shrine, one of the many sites within this central historic hub of Guimaraes. Within the Largo da Oliveiras are numerous cafes offering inside and alfresco dining. I would recommend having lunch or a refreshment in this area, to absorb all that this Square has to offer, and to more thoroughly inspect this moving structure.
