It’s still taking me awhile to get through posting all the photos from the trip to Europe. For this post I’m focusing on photos from the first stage of our Portugal leg of the trip, specifically around Obidos and Porto.

The Walled City of Obidos

Obidos, Portugal, is a picturesque medieval town frozen in time, surrounded by robust stone walls that date back to the 14th century. Cobblestone streets wind through charming white-washed houses adorned with vibrant bougainvillea, creating a postcard-worthy atmosphere. The town's historic castle, now a luxurious hotel, offers panoramic views of the lush countryside. Obidos is celebrated for its annual medieval fair, transporting visitors to a bygone era with colorful processions, traditional costumes, and lively markets. This enchanting destination invites visitors to stroll through history, romance, and Portuguese culture.

Our first view of the walled town.

There are huge bougainvillea plants everywhere, providing a burst of colour on every corner.

A church-turned-bookstore at the edge of the fortified walls.

It’s pretty much the fairytale castle.

From up high on the walls there’s a great view over the picturesque landscape.

You’d never get away with this in North America…

Some amazing tile work, just inside one of the main gates.

Porto, Portugal

Nestled along the scenic Douro River, Porto, Portugal, unfolds as a captivating tapestry of history, culture, and wine-soaked charm. Cobblestone streets wind through UNESCO-listed Ribeira, where colorful buildings and riverside cafes reflect in the water's shimmer. Porto is the birthplace of port wine, and its cellars beckon enthusiasts to savor the rich, aged nectar. Architectural wonders abound, from the ornate Livraria Lello to the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. Embracing both tradition and modernity, Porto is a city of dynamic energy, where soulful Fado music resonates, culinary delights tantalize, and every corner reveals a story etched in Portuguese legacy.

Porto Day 1

This was the view from the apartment that we had rented. It was on the Gaia side of the city, with an amazing view of the bridge and the Porto side of the river.

YOu could see clearly into the densely packed heart of the city near the waterfront.

Magic light as the sun started to set on our first night in Porto.

Sunset from our balcony. What a perfect spot.

Once the sun set, the lights on the city were breathtaking.

We had a full panoramic view of the waterfront.

The Dom Luís I Bridge, a double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the River Douro between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia in Portugal. At its construction, its 172 metres (564 ft) span was the longest of its type in the world.

We walked up above the bridge to get an even better view before we walked across.

Looking down the river, out towards the ocean, with all the winery boats lined up along the river’s edge.

The Porto Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in the historical centre of the city. It is one of the city's oldest monuments and one of the most important local Romanesque monuments.

The typical narrow alleys of Porto.

Some of the tile work in the train station. The whole station is a work of art.

So many of the structures incorporate the traditional blue tile.

Porto City Hall

Just a random church, but beautifully decorated in tile work.

They planted this olive grove in the center of town, over top of another build.

https://livingarchitecturemonitor.com/articles/a-historic-square-revitalized-with-an-olive-grove-green-roof-in-porto-portugal-su21

The olive trees that they must have transplanted were huge!

The Clérigos Church or "Church of the Clergymen" is a Baroque church in Porto. Its 75-meter-tall bell tower, the Torre dos Clérigos, can be seen from various points of the city and is one of its most characteristic symbols.