A journey following Harry Potter in Porto: between fountains and legends

A journey following Harry Potter in Porto: between fountains and legends

Magic in Porto: How J. Kay. Rowling found the magic of writing about Harry Potter in the wonderful city of Portugal?

Many people who travel in Portugal do not imagine that they are walking in the streets where some of the ideas for the story of Harry Potter were created. So how did Porto, a peaceful city in Portugal, become so close to Jay's heart. Kay. Rowling? We will embark on a journey through the ancient libraries, the special cafes, and the unique student costumes of the city, to discover the magic that inspired the world of magic.

Rowling's city:

In the 90s, Rowling came to Porto to work as an English teacher. Like any enthusiastic tourist, she was blown away by the city's charm and began to visit places that may seem ordinary to the untrained eye, but held inspiration for a completely different world. She is said to have spent hours at the famous

A must-visit library:

In the

Student outfits - or a costume?

One of the things that most remind tourists of Porto is the local students, who wear black suits and cape-like hats. Many think they are dressed up as magicians - but the truth is that this costume tradition is an integral part of student life in Portugal, and was here long before Rowling. However, there is no doubt that this unique costume design was a source of inspiration for the Hogwarts students' robes.

When Porto meets Voldemort

The influence of

Eagle Fountain - Porto's dragon symbol

In the center of the city is

A journey following Harry Potter in Porto: between fountains and legends

A bit of ironic magic

As in any fairy tale, there is also a twist of irony here: at that time, Rowling was not the rich and famous author we know today. She was a young woman with great ambitions, who overcame financial and mental challenges at the same time as writing. Today, she is considered one of the richest women thanks to Harry Potter, but in those years in Porto, she was an aspiring writer with a radical dream about a boy with a scar on his forehead.

The legacy of Harry Potter in Porto

Today, Porto enjoys Harry Potter tourism, with tours focusing on the places Rowling visited and wrote about.

So whether you prefer to think that the inspiration for Harry Potter came from Porto or from Edinburgh, there is no doubt that Porto contributed greatly to the magical and unforgettable atmosphere of the book series. The next time you're walking through town, imagine Rowling sitting at Café Majestic, looking at the Eagle Fountain and wondering if anyone in the world would bond with a boy with a scar on his forehead. Probably yes, and a lot.

Nice to meet you, I'm Ilanit, owner of ILANITRAVEL, a Portugal travel specialist. I accompany families, couples, and individuals in planning their perfect vacation.

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