In the Footsteps of Harry Potter: Exploring Porto’s Magical Destinations

① Recommended Beautiful European Destinations

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a popular starting point for many European travelers. Also, Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is just as famous and offers a unique charm that differs from Lisbon.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Porto is a city with a long history. It is home to many architectural relics, particularly buildings with an antique atmosphere. Churches decorated with Azulejo are common throughout the city.

The Almas Chapel is a church adorned with Azulejo from its exterior. Built in the early 18th century, it is a place of meaning, the “Chapel of Souls,” with Azulejo depicting the figures of Saint Catherine and Saint Francis on the exterior. Its striking appearance draws attention from afar.

The Carmo Convent is a cathedral built in the 18th-century Baroque style. This former monastery of the Carmelites has been declared a national monument. The entire side of the Carmo church is covered with Azulejo, depicting the moment of the founding of the Knights of the Carmelite Monastery. Just looking at the exterior of the church is mystical. The cathedral’s interior is lavishly decorated in golden colors, which is why it is also called the “Golden Cathedral.”

The Church of Santo Alfonso is a Baroque-style Catholic church. It is characterized by its red exterior walls with blue Azulejo on the facade. Once inside, you’ll find colorful decorations, stained glass, Catholic sculptures, and more.

② Porto’s Iconic Locations

The center of traveling Porto is the Douro River. The scenery of the river, which runs through the city’s center, and the Dom Luís I Bridge, a symbol of Porto, are breathtaking. The bridge was inaugurated in October 1886. The bridge is named after King Luis I of Portugal. The Dom Luís I Bridge is a double-deck arch bridge connecting old and new towns.

The upper level is 395 meters long and is used as a railroad track for the Porto Metro, while the lower level, 172 meters long, is an automobile road. Pedestrians can move on both decks.

The bridge was designed by Théophile Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, who built the Eiffel Tower. Visiting the Dom Luís I Bridge at sunset is recommended when you can watch the sun setting against the backdrop of Porto’s old town. From here, you can capture the beautiful urban scenery of Porto in one view.

The Clerigos Church is a representative Baroque-style building in Portugal. As one of Porto’s iconic buildings, it was constructed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. The construction began in 1732 and was completed in 1750. Inside the church is a museum. Opposite the main hall is a 75-meter-high observation tower. Climbing the 225 steps, you can enjoy a panoramic view of downtown Porto.

It’s also a popular lookout point because of its elevation and the panoramic views. From the top, you can capture the view of densely packed buildings with orange roofs. Also, it’s a great place to enjoy the night view, making it a popular tourist spot. The Clerigos Church is known as a must-visit destination in Porto.

③ A Place Made Famous by Harry Potter

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, here’s a must-visit. The Livraria Lello is a Porto destination made famous by the Harry Potter movies. It was opened in 1906 and is a bookstore with over 100 years of history. It became famous as the place where Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling was inspired. J.K. Rowling was an English language school teacher in Porto in 1991. She was known to visit the Livraria Lello whenever she could. The bookstore’s interior is decorated with Art Nouveau wooden carvings and a curved wooden staircase.

The curved staircase is the inspiration for the Hogwarts “moving staircase.” If you’re visiting Porto, it’s a place you should visit at least once, especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan.

The Livraria Lello has been named one of the “most beautiful bookstores in the world” several times.
Due to the influx of tourists, the bookstore charges an entrance fee of 5 euros (approximately $5.50).
However, if you purchase a book, the entrance fee is discounted.

The Livraria Lello is always crowded with tourists; you can often see long lines at the entrance.

It’s a great place to take various photos with the vintage bookstore as a backdrop.