STCP: Route 22

Autocarro STCP
May 27 2013
TransportesPublicospt

STCP: Route 22

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Route 22 operated by STCP is one of three (together with route 1 and route 18) historical tram (street car) routes still active mainly for touristic purposes. These trams used to be part of Porto’s public transport system and were some of the first trams in operation in Portugal. Route 22 is a circular route with beginning and end at tram stop Carmo and operates daily from 09:30 to 19:30.

Tickets

Standard fare for trams is 2,50€ for one way and is bought directly to the tram driver. You can also buy a combined ticket for one tram trip and visit to the Tram Museum (4€/2,50€  adult/child) or a combined 24h tram ticket (valid for all three historical tram routes) and Tram Museum visit (8€/5€ adult/child)

Duration

The round trip lasts about 40 minutes.

Sights

Similar to route 1, route 22 combines an alternative way to visit the city with a chance to hop off and explore a set of cultural sites.

Before you start your trip (or after you finish) and right behind Carmo tram stop you find two churches the left one is Igreja dos Carmelitas, while the the one at the corner, is Igreja do Carmo. Before you enter this last one, turn the corner to admire its azulejos. In front of these churches, the main square is Praça de Gomes Teixeira also known as Praça dos Leões (Lions square) due to the fountain placed there. The main building in this square is University of Porto’s rectorate building dates from early XIX century and currently home for the university’s Natural History Museum and Science Museum (both with free entrance). Although usually outside the main touristic sights the building is worth a peek inside. When facing University of Porto’s rectorate building turn to your left and follow the downward street nexx to the olive-tree garden. The second building on your left is Livraria Lello (Lello bookshop).

Tram 22 leaves from Carmo passing University of Porto’s rectorate building and crossing Jardim da Cordoaria. The imposing barred-window building on the other side of the street used to be a prison and is now home to Centro Português de Fotografia, Porto’s photography museum (free entrance). Tram stop Clérigos is just a bit further, right next to Torre e Igreja dos Clérigos Porto’s most iconic landmark.

The next stop is Pr. da Liberdade which you can use to visit São Bento railway station known for its azulejos as well as Avenida da Liberdade. This is also the best to hop-off if you wish to connect with STCP bus 500 that will take you to Ribeira’s main sights. Although bus 500 will stop closer to the main Ribeira museums and churches, an other scenic option to get to Ribeira is to hop-off tram 22 only at Batalha-Guindais, two stops further, and then take the funicular all the way down to Ribeira.

Next to Pr. da Liberdade is Batalha stop from where you can reach Teatro Nacional São João, Porto’s national theather and the XVIII century Batalha Palace followed by Batalha-Guindais stop. From here onwards, the tram starts its journey back to Carmo. Santa Catarina stop is located at the beginning of Santa Catarina pedestrian street, one of the main shopping streets in Porto. To reach Bolhão market the best place to stop is at Pr. D. João I. Cross the square diagonally towards the main street on your right (Rua Sá da Bandeira). Bolhão market is a five minute walk up this street. The next stop is Aliados, right in the center of Avenida dos Aliados and an easy walk to Porto’s City Hall and Trindade metro station. Pr. Filipe de Lencastre and Guilherme Gomes Fernandes stops leave you close to Porto’s bohemian area of Rua Galerias de Paris. The next stop is back where you started in Carmo.

In summary:

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