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Train lives Douro train

photos: Aug/Sep/Oct 2009  SLIDESHOW

The first sections of the Douro Line were built in 1867: they are about 140 years old. The train, which currently serves the populations of towns on the outskirts of Porto (Ermesinde, Valongo, Paredes and Penafiel) has been modernized and is now a transport vehicle equal to the equivalent in many other large cities of Europe. However, some coaches that lead up to the station Pocinho (once reached further, to Barca d'Alva) have been circulating for more than 30 years.

From Pala station, the path is made alongside the river and the train seems to enter the waters of the Douro.

In summer, tourists venture this trip about 163 miles to get to take 3 hours and a half, just so they can enjoy the magnificent landscapes of this region of Port Wine — which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was driven by the Portuguese, Spanish and English nobility. But the great majority of users that runs between the small stations and stops are unskilled workers, small shopkeepers and old people without their own means of transport, who have to travel daily to their work, visit family and friends or do shopping in the markets. They make «train lives».

The route of the Douro Wine  SLIDESHOW

 

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