Porto, Portugal

Portugal's second-largest city is a tourist magnet. Nestled along the banks of the Douro River and known for its rich heritage and interesting architecture, Porto has evolved from a significant Roman outpost to a modern urban center famous for its port wine production and surprising landscapes.

The Ribeira; the historic centre of Porto. Photo: D. Stefanita

Porto's history dates back to at least the 8th century BCE, with evidence of human settlements along the Douro River. Originally inhabited by Celtic tribes, the city was later influenced by various cultures including the Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors.

The Roman name for the area, Portus Cale, is thought to be the origin of Portugal's name. By the Middle Ages, Porto became an essential commercial port and religious center, playing a pivotal role in the trade routes of Europe.

The marriage of John I of Portugal to Philippa of Lancaster in 1387 further solidified Porto's strategic importance through its alliance with England.

The city's historical significance continued through time, including its role during the Peninsular War when British forces captured it in 1809. Porto’s architectural landscape reflects its storied past, featuring structures from different periods such as the Gothic Church of São Francisco and the neoclassical Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa).

The well-preserved medieval structures and its urban layout brought the historic center of Porto to the UNESCO World Heritage family in 1996. Key landmarks include:

• The Ribeira; the historic centre of Porto found along the waterfront of the Douro River, with well preserved narrow medieval streets, and colourful buildings.

• Dom Luís I Bridge: An iconic symbol of Porto designed by Teófilo Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. This double-deck iron bridge offers stunning views of the city and river.

• The Monastery of Serra do Pilar or Monastery of Saint Augustine of Serra do Pilar is located on a hill called Serra do Pilar , in Vila Nova de Gaia , Portugal . The building is on the opposite side of the Douro River from Porto, overlooking the Luís I Bridge and the Historic Center of Porto . The monastery belonged to the Order of Saint Augustine and its construction began in 1538 and continued over the following centuries, in several stages of construction that significantly altered the original design. Today it serves as a religious, cultural and military site.

Dom Luís I Bridge and Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar. Photo: D. Stefanita

Today, Porto is attracting millions of tourists each year. The city is proud of its arts scene with numerous galleries and cultural events that highlight contemporary Portuguese creativity. The annual São João Festival is a particularly lively celebration that showcases local traditions through music, food, and fireworks.

Porto has also gained recognition for its gastronomic creations. The Mercado do Bolhão offers an authentic experience with local produce and delicacies, while restaurants serve traditional dishes such as francesinha — a hearty .... ok, will let you discover that!

Moreover, Porto's walkability makes it an inviting city for tourists. Its compact historic center allows visitors to explore on foot, discovering history, artisan shops and cafes along cobblestone streets.

The Ribeira; the historic centre of Porto. Photo: D. Stefanita

Dom Luís I Bridge. Photo: D. Stefanita

Old city wall. Photo: D. Stefanita

Narrow streets of cobblestone, and environmentally conscious residents. Photo: D. Stefanita

Sources

• https://www.wikipedia.org
• https://www.britannica.com/

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