Livraria Lello

Walked (uphill – it’s leg day in Porto) to explore the famous Livraria Lello bookstore today, which is supposed to be the most beautiful bookstore in the world. And allegedly, was an inspiration for the some of the architectural elements in Harry Potter.

Know this: to visit the bookstore, you must have a timed ticket (you can purchase them online here). You have to queue outside the bookstore, and they are strict about your entry time. And once you’re inside, you’d better love people – because you’re going to be surfing humanity while you look at books. Beautiful interior, but we didn’t stay long. 

Ordem do Carlo

From there, we made a spontaneous visit to the Ordem do Carlo church. No particular reason – it was just next to the bookstore and the blue tile exterior caught my eye. Beautiful gilded Baroque interior. And, *of course* there are some steep-ass stairs I needed to climb to get to the roof. I made it up there, but used up all of my climbing energy for the day. 

Sidebar: I have serious candlestick envy – the church was covered in all of these gorgeous (and gigantic) candlesticks. I need one of these. 

Singeverga – The Monastic Liquor

Now, for the highlight of the day. I’ve been on a quest to find a liquor called Singeverga, which is made by Benedictine monks. No written recipe – it just gets passed down orally from generation to generation. Finding it has not been easy.

Mentioned my quest to our lovely guide, Marina, the other day. She made a phone call, and the next thing we know, we’re getting a private tour of the Mosteiro são Bento da Vitoria today. Got to walk through the spectacular Neoclassical and Baroque church, currently home to 5 Benedictine monks. Stood right next to the spectacular handmade organ – thought about my mom and felt her love with me. ❤️

Quest complete: got to taste some Singeverga at the monastery. Very unusual -and quite good – herbal flavored liquor. One of the ingredients is saffron. Not surprisingly, I bought a small bottle to take home.

Afterward, Ken’s pathological need to climb every tower in Europe kicked in, so of course he had to climb to the top of Clerigos Tower. I took a hard pass on that activity, and did some shopping while he stormed the castle. 

Had dinner tonight at a charming restaurant with only six tables. Hostess seated an American couple from Florida right next to us. Consequently, we now know way too much about their friend, Alan (68), and his freeloading girlfriend, Megan (30).

Saúde!

Travel date: January 31, 2025