The Ribeira Square in Porto

The Ribeira Square in Porto, Portugal

The Ribeira Square is said to be one of the oldest places in Porto. It is mentioned in the city's charter documents from 1389. In its centre stands a fountain decorated with coats of arms of Porto's sovereigns. There is also a cubic sculpture named Cubo da Ribeira.

Tenement houses nearby the Ribeira Square in PortoTenement houses nearby the Ribeira Square in Porto

The Ribeira Square  bears traces of everyday life of Porto inhabitants. For long centuries it was a marketplace selling fish, meat or bread. The buildings surrounding the square did not avoid fires and    many changes. Today the square is very atmospheric and attracts tourists from all over the world. Just like me :)

Colourful boats on the Douro river and the Dom Luis BridgeColourful boats on the Douro river and the Dom Luis Bridge

From the Ribeira Square I headed to the south, to the bank of the Douro river. Here I admired the view of the bridge Ponte Dom Louis I and the southern side of Porto. I must admit, it took me a while before I continued with my walk. I was enchanted by the beauty of the colourful boats floating on the river. Finally I walked to the end of the waterside and reached the bridge.

Ribeira watersideRibeira waterside