Newspaper Vendor Statue, Porto

The Newspaper Vendor Statue (Est谩tua do Ardina) is a charming bronze sculpture located at the bottom of Freedom Square (Pra莽a da Liberdade), on the corner near Saint Benedict (S茫o Bento) station in Porto. Created by Manuel Dias in 1990, this life-size statue honors the "ardina," a traditional newspaper seller who once roamed the streets of Porto, bringing the latest news to locals before the advent of the internet and television. The newspaper vendor is depicted in a classic pose鈥攍eaning casually against a red post box, with a newspaper in one hand and a bag slung over his shoulder鈥攁 nostalgic nod to a time when news traveled in print, not pixels.

A popular spot for tourists and locals alike, this statue is a beloved reminder of Porto鈥檚 past, capturing the old-world charm of the city. While it might be easy to overlook, nestled just around the corner from the bustling railway station, the statue鈥檚 quaint and unassuming presence makes it one of the most photographed in Porto. It stands as a tribute to the everyday workers of the past, particularly the low-paid newspaper vendors who once gathered near the former headquarters of the Porto Commerce newspaper.

Despite the mass trend of statues honoring everyday professions across Europe, the Newspaper Vendor Statue remains special to Porto. It has endured its fair share of challenges, including numerous collisions by careless drivers, which led to a significant repair in 2004. As print media continues to decline, this statue serves as a poignant reminder of the ardinas' role in Porto鈥檚 history, making it a must-see for those exploring the city鈥檚 cultural landmarks.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Porto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Sight Name: Newspaper Vendor Statue
Sight Location: Porto, Portugal (See walking tours in Porto)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Porto's Monuments and Statues

Walking Tours in Porto, Portugal

Create Your Own Walk in Porto

Creating your own self-guided walk in Porto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Porto's Monuments and Statues

In general, just like any other European nation, sunny Portugal is rich in history and matching love of monuments. This is more so evident in the country's second largest city of Porto, dotted with statues and sculptures of various sort, decorating the gardens, sidewalks, squares and various corners. Each of them has its own story; some are quite old, while others are not so much and rather... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

Shopping and Food Tour

Renowned for its centuries-old culture and architecture, Porto also boasts a wealth of shopping and dining opportunities. With a mix of the modern and historical, the city represents a fertile ground for bargain hunters, foodies and luxury-seekers alike.

Those on the look-out for trendy clothing and accessories, or wanting to sample some delicious local cuisine, will certainly not be... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles

Historical Churches

Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe and is deeply rooted in Christianity, notably Catholicism. The latter explains the abundance of historic chapels, churches, and monasteries in the country. Porto, a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, boasts several old churches of its own. Remarkable architectural gems, they reflect the city's profound religious tradition.

... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

Porto Introduction Walking Tour

After 711 Porto fell to Moorish invaders. The Muslim control existed in the Iberian peninsula until 1491. However, the conquest was not total and in 868 things began to change for the people of Porto.

Vimara Peres, an Asturian count of Gallaecia, came to reconquer for the Christians. He secured the town of Portu Cale and the land of Vila Nova de Gaia. Vimara became the Count of Portucale. From... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles

Porto Historic Center Walking Tour

The Historic Centre of Porto, dating back to the Medieval times, is the oldest part of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Despite all the changes over the years, it has maintained the unique urban characteristics, which are a world apart from other European cities, and preserved much of its legacy from the times gone by.

Firmly set on the hillsides overlooking the mouth of... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Where To Stay in Porto, Portugal - Guide of Best Areas and Hotels

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