Boavista; music, shops, history and nature

SuBenShi Sushi Mural

 

Boavista

Ave of Boavista is Porto’s longest street with hotels, restaurants and shopping. It is really where old meets the new and boasts the famous Casa da Música (house of music) at one end and at the other Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (the gardens of the Cristal Palace).

Monument to the Peninsular War pays tribute to Porto residents who fought to expel Napoleon. Set on top of the monument is a lion representing the Portuguese victory over the French symbol the eagle.

Casa da Música 

Casa da Música was built as part of the European Capital of Culture event in 2001but wasn’t finished until 2005 as is the center of musical performances in Porto. It’s been described as “crazy and perverse, but brilliant” as one of the five architectural projects of the decade.

Museu Judaico (Jewish Museum)

In a city surrounded by Christian churches, here is one of the only synagogues and Jewish museums. Jews had been officially banished from Porto in 1496. The Jewish community of Porto was founded in 1923 and was responsible for the recently opened museum.

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (the gardens of the Cristal Palace)

The structure was originally modeled on the Crystal Palace in London but was demolished and the Rosa Mota Pavilion (in honor of the Olympic Marathon Champion) replaced it and now houses artistic exhibitions.

Garden of Feelings has a fantastic view of the Douro River.

Rooster with his hens

In other news…

When I leave Portugal on Nov 30, I’ll pass through Boston for a couple of days and then I've booked a trip to Charlotte, North Carolina to see if I can find an apt through the winter. I’ve already applied for a one bedroom apt, so we’ll see if I get it. Stay tuned!