Urban art in Porto (and around the world) hasn’t always been looked upon favorably, but the emergence of real artists and the appearance of their murals have changed the panorama.
From national to foreign artists, there’s room for everyone here and everyone leaves their mark. They began to decorate cities with truly irrefutable works and, fortunately, Porto was no exception!
They are true works of art, displayed forfree in the streets of the city. Only those who don’t want to can’t see them – you just have to pay attention! We’ve left you with a little guide to perhaps go on an urban art tour over the next few days.
Table Of Contents
“Dona Rosa”
Mr. Dheo almost needs no introduction, as he is one of the biggest names in urban art in Portugal and beyond.
“Dona Rosa” is one of his most recent works, depicting a warrior woman from Porto. It has also become an Instagrammablespot, perfect for taking lots of photos.
📍Escada dos Guindais
“Slava Ukranini”
Urban art has the power to convey very strong messages, as is the case with this work by MrKas.
Seven meters long and three meters high, “Slava Ukranini” is a tribute to the Ukrainian people and children.
📍Alameda Capitães de Abril, next to the Lapa metro
“Passiflora”
Giulia Yoshimura, known as Mura, has given new life to the stairs of Monte do Tadeu with her work “Passiflora”, which stands out for its green tones, flowers and fruit.
Recently, the artist had the opportunity to extend her ‘garden’ along Rua do Monte do Tadeu, adding new flowers.
📍Stairs and Rua do Monte do Tadeu
Mira
This is already a ‘classic’ example of urban art in Porto. Located in the Miragaia area, it was created by Daniel Eime.
Although it doesn’t represent any particular personality, the aim is to represent the ageing population of Porto’s riverside area.
📍Largo de Artur Arcos Miragaia
Trindade Mural
Inaugurated in 2014, this was one of the first interventions commissioned by Porto City Council. Since then, it has been a must-see for anyone passing through the Trindade area.
Designed by the well-known Mr. Dheo, this mural depicts the urban artist’s own father with Porto in his hand.
📍Rua Alferes Malheiro, Trindade Parking Lot
“Half Rabbit”, Bordalo II
It’s worth crossing the Luís I Bridge to see one of the most impressive works of urban art on the outskirts of Porto.
“Half Rabbit II” was created by Bordalo II, an artist known for using tons of waste for his artistic installations.
📍Rua Guilhere Gomes Fernandes, 42, Vila Nova de Gaia
“The Cat
Located on the smallest street in Porto, this piece of urban art represents the city in motion and was created by the Galician artist LIQUEN.
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Frederico Draw is the artist responsible for the mural that welcomes those entering Porto via the D. Luís Bridge.
Although he traditionally chooses to draw anonymous portraits, one of his best-known works depicts his grandfather, looking inviting to those entering the city.
📍Avenida Vimara Peres
“Look at Porto”
In the Miragaia area, on a historic façade, there is a piece of urban art in Porto that stands out from the rest, as it is Vhils’ first public work in the city.
📍Rua de Ancira
“House of Camellias”
This mural by Nuno Palhas aka Third celebrates ‘our’ Camélias and the close connection between Porto and these flowers of ours, the Camélias.
📍The intersection of Rua Antero de Quental and Rua Damião de Góis
“Don Quixote and Sancho Panza”, Mesk, Fedor and Mots
This was the first legalized urban art mural in Porto and it’s in Miguel Bombarda, the city’s artistic quarter. We can only thank the artists Mesk, Fedor and Mots for their work and for promoting and encouraging street art in Invicta.
📍Intersection of Rua de Diogo Brandão and Rua de Miguel Bombarda
Did you know them all? This is just a small sample of what we have giving color and life to our city. Go out into the street and find out what else there is. Keep an eye on the walls, maybe that’s where you’ll find the advice you need right now! 😉
Editor’s note: this article was originally written by Carolina Bessa and was updated later by Sofia Kendall and Filipa Santos Sousa.