When we left the hotel today, we intended to visit Livraria Lello (one of the oldest, most popular and beautiful bookstores in Portugal, and, reportedly an inspiration for the Hogwarts Library of Harry Potter fame). It is a quick 10-minute walk from our hotel, and we LOVE books, so this was a perfect choice, right? When we saw the massive line of people waiting to enter….we quickly decided a change of plans was in order. So we found a fun little cafe down the street and considered our next move.
Take that, Napoleon!!
Lunchtime Espresso 
Delicious Desserts 
Lunch Time! 
Queue Waiting for Livraria Lello
Kevin pointed out a circle of green on Google Maps and declared that it was the Praca de Mouzinho de Albuquerque (or, unoficially, Rotunda da Boavista). It is a large round park located in downtown Porto with a 150-foot monument in the center. We figured it was a walkable distance…the weather was beautiful….so why not?!? After a bit of additional Google Map consultation, we were on our way. It took us about half an hour to reach our destination, and the park was lovely! The monument in the center of the park celebrates the victory of Portuguese and British against French troops that invaded Portugal during the Peninsular War (1807-1814). The column is capped by a lion (symbolizing the Portuguese and British) defeating an eagle (symbolizing the French). Several sculptures decorate the base of the statue, some of which represent the 4000 people who died while fleeing Napoleon’s troops when the Ponte das Barcas collapsed. (For more info, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotunda_da_Boavista ). We sat and relaxed for a bit in the park and then headed back toward our hotel…with a quick stop at a nearby mall for necessities.
Peninsula War Monument 
The Lion and the Eagle 
Relaxing for a moment… 
Birds in the Park 
Kevin on a park bench 
Monument Column 
Monument Statue 
Monument Statue
An Unexpected Find: Crystal Palace Gardens
On our return trip, we decided to stop at another garden/park: Crystal Palace Gardens. What a beautiful surprise!! Ornate gates and a sweet shop mark the entrance from a busy Porto street. After picking up a couple of delicious ice cream treats, we found a shaded bench and enjoyed the surroundings. Manicured flower beds, statues, fountains and stately trees provided a beautiful resting spot. We relaxed for a bit and then decided to check out the Super Bock Arena located adjacent to the park. Little did we know that a HUGE garden stretched out behind the arena. Fabulous find!! We will definitely visit this park again before we leave Porto. (If you want to read more about this park, check it out at https://portoalities.com/en/crystal-palace-gardens-in-porto/ ). If you find yourself in Porto….visit this park!!!!
Water Fountain 
Wandering peacock 
Garden Tower 
Drooling Dragon 😉 
Camouflage Chicken 
Vines on a Garden Wall 
Super Bock Arena 
Douro River View from Crystal Palace Garden
As we neared the Legendary Porto Hotel after our approximately 8 mile trek, we treated ourselves to a bottle of wine, regional tray of goat cheese, olives and meat, and dessert at a small cafe with outdoor seating. Our waiter cheerfully helped us with our pitiful Portuguese language skills and chatted with us about Michigan. A perfect ending to a truly enjoyable day…
Red Wine from the Douro Valley 
Chocolate Cake 
Coffee-flavored Cake 
Regional Plate – Meat, Goat Cheese and Olives