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Visit Porto: Five Centennial Buildings to see

Porto is certainly a city full of mysteries and heritage. As one of the oldest cities in Portugal and having played a key role in its rich history, Porto is definitely a place to visit and explore, alone or with others. What better way to visit Porto than through its iconic buildings? Porto is full of ancient streets and centuries-old buildings, and in this article, we present some buildings that you cannot miss when visiting Porto.

1. Ateneu Comercial

If you ever visit Porto, you will surely come across this very recognizable centennial building, the Ateneu Commercial. Located in Rua Passos Manuel, it was established in 1869 as a place to gather, read and listen to music. It’s well-known for its library, which contains 30,000 books, including rare first editions. Besides it you can also visit its magnificent hall which is decorated with bronze chandeliers from Paris. If you visit Porto, you can still attend gatherings and conversations in Ateneu, which is still functioning more than a century after it first opened its doors.

2. Livraria Lello

One of the world’s most unique bookshops, Livraria Lello, first opened its doors in 1906, and remains selling books today. Many people that visit Porto come to visit this centennial bookshop to witness its beauty first-hand and to be able to walk on the century crimson staircase. Characterized by its Neogothic style, Livraria Lello is surely worth your visit, and is a beautiful place to also get lost in the books it sells.

3. A Brasileira

Opening its doors in the early 1900s, A Brasileira is located on Rua Sá da Bandeira and it’s considered a gem of the Belle Époque. This centennial coffee shop is still today a thriving social and cultural space for people from all around the world. When you visit A Brasileira you will have the opportunity to learn more about Porto’s people and its past.

4. Majestic Café

Founded in 1921, it celebrated its 100^th birthday recently and is the most recent entry into the centennial buildings in our list. Café Majestic is a very recognized coffee shop, known for its cherubs, leather walls and elaborate interior. Built in the Art Noveau style, this café celebrates beauty and represents the abundance of the 20s in full fashion.

Find out: 5 traditional Restaurants in Porto

5. Destino Fado

A 19^th-century home is restored and gives space for the tradition of fado to come back with glamour to Porto. Destino Fado is the final entry in the list, its centennial building is characterized by its great acoustics that allows you to get fully immersed in the Portuguese musical scene and experience fado in a new way. Taking place during the afternoons, the Fado sessions of Destino Fado are a must see for anyone visiting Porto.

With so many beautiful sights and places to visit, a visit to Porto will never be boring. You can find a piece of history in every corner, and with this list you can visit the most influential centennial buildings in Porto, enjoy its lifestyle and even listen to Fado.