The northwestern Portuguese city of Porto is characterized by hilly streets, buildings covered in multicolored azulejos, and a long history of port wine production. Polished townhouses decked out with flower boxes stand proudly beside dilapidated structures covered in graffiti, making Porto just as pretty as it is rough around the edges.
Between my first visit in 2003 and our trip last spring, Porto has experienced quite a revival. While the iron Dom Luís Bridge was previously just a handsome bridge reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, today it plays host to sleek streetcars zipping passengers across the Douro River. Though the once-sleepy lanes of the Ribeira district are now busy with tourist activity, there is a constant in Porto’s delightful windows, which still smile down upon passersby.
From moody, grey-stone frames surrounded by delicate blue-and-white tiles to arched accents, here is a peek at Porto’s diverse windows.
Where in the World?
Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.
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