Portugal's second city located on the river Douro, in the north of the country, is synonomous with the fortified wine. This link was certainly reinforced on our tour of this World Heritage designated city. A tour and tasting at the House of Sandeman was the mid-morning relaxation slot! Beside the river are ranged the port houses where the wine is aged in oak and mahogany barrels. Secure behind iron grills were the remaining ten bottles of a superb 1904 vintage… somehow not included in our tasting!
Like Lisbon, the city fabric is being revitalized. UNESCO and European monies are ensuring care and refurbishment of the core city area seen in our photo taken from the right bank of the Douro. The twin towers of gray granite locate the cathedral, a Romanesque-Gothic-Baroque hybrid.
For contrast, after a light, lingering lunch in a restaurant close to the river, time was spent in the Serralves Museum. This multicultural center, opened in 1999 at a cost of $25 million, is set in thirty acres of parkland. Whilst focussing on post 1960 art, there is a multipurpose auditorium and an engaging educational program which embraces environmental and other pressing issues in contemporary society. Architecturally this is an exiting space and reflects the new role of museums as places of fundamental relevance and accessibility. It is certain to be a major player in Portugal's cultural life.
