Porto, or Oporto as is also known, is Portugal's second largest city and one of Europe's most charismatic destinations. It is considered the "capital of the north" but has very little in common with Lisbon, the country's true capital. Originally known as Portus Cale as two seperate settlements, it has given its name to the whole country and also to the internationally renowned port wine which is produced in this region and exported from the city's port. Porto is situated on the steep northern bank of the River Douro, where it spills into the Atlantic Ocean, and the expanding city has spread over time to the north and west.
The main downtown district or Biaxa has wide cobbled streets flanked with buildings containing shops and restaurants/ the real heart of the city can be found along the Rua Santa Catarina. The entire historic center of Porto is a World Heritage Site, making it very appealing to visitors who have an interest in history and architecture.
Wine has been produced in Douro Valley region since the 13th century and Porto became a major port and trading post for this sought after product. The Marquis of Pombal demarcated the region to ensure the wine's quality but initially the winegrowers revolted in what became known as "The Revolt of the Drunks". Even today Porto's inhabitants are known for their spirit of freedom!
Things to Do in Porto
Porto has a wealth of things to do to thrill almost every passion and interest. Fans of Italian baroque carvings will be delighted to see the iconic Torre dos Clérigos, or Clerics Tower, which was designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni between 1732 and 1763. The elaborate gilt designs will also take your breath away in the interiors of many of Porto's fine churches.
For architecture students, Porto is full of great names such as Gustav Eiffel who built the Dona Maria Bridge, a feat of wrought iron engineering; Nicolau Nasoni who designed the Cleric's Tower and Rem Koolhaas who created the Casa de Musica. Together their works epitomize the classic status of this atmospheric city.
Those who enjoy religious architecture will enjoy exploring Oporto Cathedral, the oldest surviving structure in Porto, along with the Gothic Church of St Francis and the smaller Romanesque Church of Cedofeita. Historic monuments provide more things to do in Porto. A guided tour of the Palacio da Bosa, located next to the Church of St Francis, is a must-see and the Moorish Revival Arab Room will take your breath away. Ceiling frescoes, a sumptuous stairway and the octagonal domed courtyard with its colorful coats-of-arms complete the magnificent spectacle.
Of course, serious students of literature will also know that Porto is the birthplace of J.K.Rowling's Harry Potter character!
One final unique suggestion for things to do in Porto should include a tour of one of the world-famous wine lodges. Free guided tours and tastings of samples by household names such as Sandeman's, Taylor's and Cockburn offer an informative and enjoyable day out in Porto.
Local Food and Drink
Porto's traditional dish is tripe and haricot beans which dates back to when the city provisioned the ships of Henry the Navigator with the best livestock and crops, keeping just the intestines for themselves. It tastes better than it sounds! The caldo verde soup is a hearty starter or lunch dish and desserts include cinnamon-flavored rice pudding, flan or caramel custard. A glass of locally produced sweet port wine perfectly rounds off any meal in Porto.
Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content of this site but
the publisher cannot be held responsible for the consequences of any errors.A number of
external links exist within the site and the publisher does not endorse any such external links.
