Unlikely tourist itinerary: visiting the Porto Bandstands
Unlikely tourist itinerary: visiting the Porto bandstands
They fell into disuse, but continue to add beauty to the city, spreadacross the most varied public gardens. Bandstands are what remains of thehistory of liberal revolutions and the period of Regeneration. That is, withthe installation of the Constitutional Monarchy, people acclaimed free accessto art and culture. Bandstands were one of the forms of response to theseliberal ideals. Some were set up just for festival days, but many were evenbuilt permanently, providing the stage for all celebrations in Portuguesevillages, towns and cities. Porto was no exception and has a fantasticitinerary of bandstands to visit.
It is still possible today to stroll through most of the city's garden sand see the generally circular structures, with iron fences all around and adobe to protect from the sun and the rain. The musicians were, most of the time, philharmonic bands, very popular at that period in history. And these structures, at the time, perfectly accommodated the logistical requirements of these groups.
Bandstands in Portugal are inspired by French romantic structures, which, in turn, are said to be reminiscent of English bandstands. The word – in Portuguese “Coretos” - may come from the Greek “khorus” and the Latin “choru” which mean “dance”. It may also have derived from the Italian word “coretto”, which evokes terms such as tribune, platform, kiosk. In French it is called “kiosque a musique” and in Spanish “quiosco de musica”.
However, as the years progressed, the concept of the show evolved. People demanded more comfort to attend concerts and bands had more logistical requirements. Concert halls and theaters gained shape and fashion and bandstands were left abandoned. The structures remain, however, in the center of the gardens and squares and are, for the most part, very photogenic. Therefore, they deserve special attention.
The Porto City Council has orchestrated some initiatives in the summer that bring some of the city's bandstands back to life. But, as a general rule, these structures are empty and unused, which is why they are excellent stages for more artistic and even romantic photographs. You can even improvise your own show: all you need to start with is some talent and the limit is your imagination.
Check the route you can follow and take advantage of the public gardens where the bandstands are located. Just choose a sunny day and hit the road. If you go by car, public transport or bicycle, do the complete itinerary. If you're on foot, start at the São Lázaro Garden Bandstand and end at the Crystal Palace Gardens. To see Passeio Alegre, take a bus or tram. The tram ride can be a very interesting extra!
1 - Marquês de Pombal Garden Bandstand
The bandstand takes place inMarquês de Pombal square. This is a passing and stopping point for Portoresidents and a place with little tourist traffic. There is a metro station[Marquês Station – yellow line] in the square and garden. In the past, it wascalled “square of the brandy” because the market for this drink was held there.Today, especially on sunny days, it is a social area for groups of retiredpeople who socialize there while playing cards and dominoes.
2 - São Lázaro Garden Bandstand
São Lázaro Garden is the oldest municipal garden in the city of Porto.Opened in 1834, the garden stands out for its leafy lime trees, the bandstandand some sculptures. The garden is bordered by a fence and also includes afountain that was removed from the old convent of São Domingos.
Directly opposite is the Porto Municipal Public Library and on the otherside is the magnificent baroque façade of the former convent of São Lázaro,attributed to Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian architect with a vast body of work inPorto, with emphasis on the Clérigos Tower.
3 - Cordoaria Garden Bandstand
The João Chagas Garden is popularly known as Cordoaria Garden and is located in Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, very close to Clérigos Tower, Lello Bookstore and the Portuguese Center of Photography (which is located in the old Relação penitentiary).In addition to the lake and the bandstand, the garden includes several sculptures that are also quite “instagrammable”. A highlight is the set “Thirteen laughing at each other” by Juan Muñoz, which will be easily recognizable when you visit the place.
4 - Crystal Palace Garden Bandstand
In fact, you have to look hard to find the bandstand among the various gardens. Especially because it's easy to get lost in the magnificent views over the Douro! The gardens contain, in addition to the bandstand and viewpoints, varied species of fauna and flora, many fountains and statues. There are also thematic sectors such as the Garden of Aromatic Plants, the Garden of Medicinal Plants, the Garden of Twin Cities and the Garden of Feelings.
It's also worth looking for the seven specimens of California palm trees. Inside the gardens, you can also visit the Almeida Garrett Library and the Municipal Gallery. Imposing, the Super Bock Arena - Rosa Mota Pavilion stands near the main entrance. This complex usually hosts large concerts.
If you still have time, visit the Romantic Museum and the Solar do Vinhodo Porto, both in Quinta da Macieirinha, adjacent to the Palácio de CristalGarden. Very close by is Casa Tait, with gardens filled with roses, camelliasand princess earrings.
5 - Passeio Alegre Bandstand
This is the perfect place to end the route. Passeio Alegre garden is located next to the mouth of the Douro River, so it has magnificent views. Furthermore, on one side there are palm trees and on the other, leafy trees that offer generous shade in the summer. Furthermore, the entire environment is romantic. There is a fountain, a chalet that is now used as a café-bar, a mini golf course and two obelisks designed by Nicolau Nasoni. We also highlight a curiosity about the yellow building, which are the public toilets and, unexpectedly, these bathrooms are actually worth a visit. Surprise yourself! During the weekend, you might be lucky enough to find a local grocery market or even a concert at the bandstand. Relax and rest.
