Porto, the Douro & Trás-os-Montes - Portugal - page 861

ments and tribal-looking masks, along with re-creations of a traditional kitchen, a black-
smith's forge and a room dedicated to traditional wool and linen weaving, complete with
massive looms.

NEIGHBOURHOOD

Old Town
The backstreets in the old town hide some dignified 15th-century facades on Rua da
Costanilha (which runs west off Praça de Dom João III) and a Gothic gate at the end of it.
Inside the right transept of the handsomely severe 16th-century sé OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP (cathedral), look for the doll-like Menino Jesus da Cartolinha, a Christ child
in a becoming top hat whose wardrobe rivals Imelda Marcos', thanks to deft local de-
votees. It's open Tuesday afternoons and daily from Wednesday to Sunday.

Barragem de Miranda &

River Cruises
A road crawls across this 80m-high dam about 1km east of town, and on to Zamora, 55km
away in Spain. Even dammed, the gorge is dramatic.
You can take a one-hour boat trip through the gorge with Europarques ( 273 432 396;
www.europarques.com ; adult/child under 10yr €16/8; trips 4pm daily, plus 11am Sat & Sun) . Boats leave
from beside the dam on the Portuguese side. Occasional two-hour trips (€20) are also
offered but for larger groups only; check with Europarques for details.

BOAT TOUR

Sleeping

Hotel A Morgadinha
( 273 438 050; www.hotelmorgadinha.pai.pt ; Rua do Mercado 57/59; s/d €25/45; ) This simple hotel
- one of several budget options along the same street - features spacious rooms with par-
quet wood floors and bathtubs. There are nice river views from the upstairs breakfast area
and from many of the rooms; avoid those facing the street, which are noisier and more
claustrophobic.

HOTEL €

Hotel Turismo
( 273 438 030; www.hotelturismomiranda.pt ; Rua 1 de Maio 5; s/d €30/50; ) Offering terrific com-
fort for a modest price, this place opposite the turismo features large, spotless rooms -
most including a separate sitting room - with cable TV, minibars and marble bathrooms.

HOTEL €