Behind the busy Cais da Ribeira is the true heart of the city of Porto, a maze of narrow, dark and neglected alleys, with paths that accompany a constant climb to the top of Monte da Se, this is the majestic silhouette of the cathedral and fortress palace. episcopal. As one climbs the Barredo Scales, one cannot help but notice the feelings of loneliness, abandonment, sadness and nostalgia transmitted by some places. However, the intense ocher color that predominates in the facades, the pure white clothes hanging in the sun and the green of the plants that adorn the balconies, give a touch of special color and make us forget the misery hidden behind the walls of the houses we left. behind.
A walk through Barredo district in Porto
A breeze of fresh air that sweeps you away and makes you feel the wind in your face is the first thing you feel when you get to the monumental complex of La Se, a completely separate and different open space from the narrow, suffocating labyrinthine world of the center. We go up the Truth Scales to Victor Hugo Street. Walking we discover secret places around every corner, retrace our steps and face one of the most important monuments in the area, the Torre do Barredo, which was built in the twelfth century and is the oldest example of civil architecture of the Middle Ages of the city. Get lost in these alleys, be guided by your instinct and stop for a beer, a drink or a glass of wine in one of the small bars you find in this area, chat with people and discover the true flavor of Porto.
old city full of charm
The old town is a beautiful place to get lost in its narrow streets and enjoy the atmosphere we breathe. These beautiful houses are well maintained and are spectacular. The views are simply fantastic, just need to see the attached photos to marvel at this city. If you like old cities you will love it ...
The history and architecture of Barredo ... to better understand Ribeira.
Last week I had the privilege of accompanying a Cultural Tour with the architect of Porto City Council, António Moura who was going to talk about Barredo after April 25, 1974.
For those who do not live in Porto, it is worth explaining that Barredo is the interior area of Ribeira, ie a basically residential area that is behind that colorful houses that we all admire when we are on the bank of the Douro River. Barredo is one of my favorite areas of Porto. I love walking around admiring the old, colorful houses, seeing the sites, going up and down the stairs, hearing voices inside the houses, smelling the food coming from within. It is one of the places where Porto is Porto.
The architect António Moura led the CRUARB (Ribeira-Barredo Area Urban Rehabilitation Commission) - it was created in September 1974 (post-dictatorship) and extinguished in 2003.
His work was decisive so that in 1996, Porto was considered a World Heritage Site. The Douro River was before the creation of the Port of Leixões, a large channel for the movement of goods boats arriving or going towards the sea or the north of Portugal.
