Praça da Liberdade

— A starting point for the major attractions in Porto, the Praça da Liberdade (Liberty Square) used to be the political and cultural center of Porto in the 18th century. Its construction began in 1718 and was known back then as Praça Nova (New Square). Nowadays, it is a tourism hub with tour bus stops as well as lots of shops, restaurants, banks, and other public buildings. The ample avenue on both sides of this plaza is the Avenida dos Aliados (the Allies Avenue). I am facing south with the 19th century Cardosas Palace at the end and behind me the City Hall. Although not clearly seen in this shot, at the south end there is also a D. Pedro IV statue. Very close and around this square one can find Porto’s cathedral and one of Porto’s main train stations, São Bento.