View of Porto, Portugal during sunset

by Renzo Gerritsen

Porto in Portugal is an insanely beautiful port city with stunning views and historic buildings. Porto is characterized by River Douro and its bridges.

This photo was taken from Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar. Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar is a 16th century monastery built on a hilltop in Vila Nova de Gaia. From this hilltop you have a beautiful view of the city of Porto, the Douro River and the famous Luis I Bridge.

Although the view from this hilltop is visited and viewed by thousands of people every day, many people leave as soon as the sun goes down. This is a huge mistake, It is the moment when the city really comes alive! The lights of the city are on, the sky is turning darker and darker, and the magic is growing.

This photo was taken during the blue hour. This is the time when the sky turns beautifully blue. The blue sky contrasts beautifully with the orange street lights in Porto.

There is a lot to see in this photo. You can see the tower of Clerigos Church (Torre dos Clérigos), the Porto Cathedral, Episcopal Palace and Palácio da Bolsa, the Stock Exchange Palace.