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Art and Architecture in Porto Audio Guide

Savor Portuguese style, from churches to theaters, in the city's downtown core
US$20
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1 at US$20 ea
US$20
Listen on your schedule, you will receive a link to access the audio guide online immedately upon purchase.
Audio Guide Details
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Product Type
Audio Guide
Venues
  • Porto Cathedral
  • São Bento Station
Preview Art and Architecture in Porto Audio Guide
Cathedral square
Porto São Bento
Carmo and Carmelitas Churches
Photos & Highlights
Audio Guide Description
Downtown Porto, or Baixa do Porto, is filled with quaint cobbled lanes, interesting architecture, and small bars and eateries serving classic Portuguese fare. 

On this Porto audio tour with Context Travel expert and cultural guide, Ana Caldas, you'll see Porto's transformation through the centuries and hear about the people who left their mark on the city. 

The tour starts in front of Porto Cathedral, which was built before Portugal was even founded. You'll wander through La Ribera district and along Aliados Avenue, a bustling area where the city's main events are held, known as Porto’s little "Champs-Élysées. As you walk, you'll find out how financial instability delayed the construction of Porto City Hall for decades. You'll also learn about the different styles of architecture that are dotted throughout the downtown are, such as the colossal São Bento Station made of granite rock which gives a gray tone to the city. 

On this tour of Baixa do Porto, you'll gain insight into the city's transformation and growth in population as trade and the export of Port wine increased. You'll visit Hospes Infante Sagres, the hotel that was inspired by France's Art Deco Movement, and brought to life by wealthy businessman Delfim Ferreira. Before the tour wraps up in front of the symbol of the city, Torre dos Clérigos (Clérigos Tower), you'll visit the romantic gardens, Jardim da Cordoaria or Jardim João Chagas, and find out how well-known Portuguese criminals like Alves Reis were imprisoned in what’s now the Portuguese Centre of Photography.

On this audio tour of Porto's historical center, you'll:

• Discover how Porto Cathedral's dual purpose as both church and fortress is reflected in its design
• Marvel at São Bento Station's 20,000 hand-painted tiles, a visual narrative of Portugal's history
• Admire the elegance and charm of Livraria Lello, the bookstore famous for having a staircase very similar to the magical staircase in JK Rowling's Harry Potter
• Hear about Porto's civil war between brothers Pedro and Miguel from Portugal's royal family
• Find out about Almeida Garret, a Porto-born politician, playwright and orator who was a great promoter of Portuguese theater and one of the great writers in Portugal's Romantic Movement
• Learn about the oldest international alliance between two countries, Portugal and England, which was signed in 1386 and is still in force today
• See Rivoli Theatre and hear about the key role that Maria Borges, a wealthy local, has played in the theatre's lifetime 
• Get the chance to indulge in Porto's famous sandwich Francesinha, the Portuguese version of the French croque monsieur

By the end of this 90-minute Porto audio tour, you'll have a greater appreciation for aspects of Porto's personality, from its proud history to its architectural heritage. 
Meet Your Expert
Ana
Ana

Ana is a tour guide in Portugal, born in the North. She loves to share with travelers details about the history of Portugal, the traditions and the culture. She has a Bachelor's in tourism, and a Master's in Cultural Heritage. She loves to enjoy the urban lifestyle of Porto and Lisbon, but can´t wait for those moments in countryside, admiring nature and relaxing in a river front or on the ocean. Arts and crafts were always part of her interests and some of her favourite activities. When she isn't guiding, she loves to have a DIY project on her hands - painting, restoring, customizing, crafting.

How do I access the audio guide and download it for offline use?
Once you complete your purchase, you will receive a voucher code for your Audio Guide. You must download the Voicemap app and enter the code. 
  1. Install VoiceMap from the Apple App Store or Google Play
  2. Create an account
  3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
  4. Enter your Voucher Code
  5. Select Download Now
Is closed captioning (i.e. subtitles) available?
Yes! All of our audio guides have the option to turn on closed captioning should you have difficulty hearing the expert.

How long does each event last?
Our recorded audio guides typically run for 75 minutes.

How can I share this audio guide with friends or family?
You are welcome to listen together with friends or family, but each person listening to the guide on their own device will need to purchase the audio guide individually.

How long does my access to the audio guide last?
Once you purchase an audio guide, you are welcome to listen to it as many times as you would like. Your access to a purchased audio guide does not expire.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Sales for recorded audio guides are final upon purchase. Please contact us at digital@contexttravel.com if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase.

Can I purchase a gift card for a friend who is traveling?
Absolutely! Gift cards can be purchased here. Gift cards are good for 365 days from the date of purchase.