My first impression of Porto was of a place unkempt, with maintenance centuries overdue. I was later to learn that the historic centre of Porto has been designated a UNESCO heritage site as well as a National Monument of Portugal, meaning that buildings in the area cannot be easily or randomly altered. I don't know what it takes to get permission to restore and update a building, but clearly such permissions have been few, and spending time here is like walking through a different era.
It's clear, though, that the graffiterati don't worry about planning permission.
Visitors from a foreign place
Uma loja, open for business
The Douro River estuary is not only beautiful, the port it provides it is the very reason the city exists. The monumental two-tiered bridge accommodates tram lines, cars, and pedestrians.
Overlooking the river, models wear: Tina Turk blazer, El Tuggle yellow scarf, and gray goat-skin jacket by Mango.
A street in the historic centre
The 12th-century Porto Cathedral
We arrived to Porto by train from Lisbon
At Graham's, the port producer, for a tour, tasting, and memorable lunch.
