As the Portuguese themselves call the city Porto. Why is the city of Porto called the pearl of Portugal? When is the best time to come to Porto

Porto. City `s history.

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal with 500 thousand inhabitants, gave its name not only to port wine, but to the entire country. Once upon a time, on the left bank of the Douro there was a Roman settlement called Portus (Latin for “harbour”), and on the right bank was Calais (Greek “kalos” - beautiful). Based on the names of these villages, the Moors began to call the country between the Douro and Minho Portucale. After the expulsion of the Arabs in the 11th century, the Christian county of Portucalia arose here, which later became the kingdom of Portugal.

Porto has always lived by trade. In 1050, it became the most important economic center in the north of the country; in the 13th and 14th centuries it maintained maritime trade relations with England, Flanders and the cities of the Hanseatic League.

Close relations with England, on whose support the king counted in the fight against hostile Castile, were strengthened by the Treaty of Windsor in 1386 and the marriage of King John I to the Englishwoman Philippa de Lencastre, which took place in the cathedral in Porto. In 1394, their son was born in Porto, who later became Henry the Navigator.

English merchants who traded in colonial goods such as tobacco and sugar have long felt at home in Porto. Even today, British influence remains in the city, the roots of which are in the notorious enslaving treaty with England in 1703. This treaty opened the English market to Portuguese wines and provided English merchants with a monopoly position in the sale of port wine. Until now, some large port wine producing companies bear English names.

In contrast to Lisbon, the tone in Porto has always been set by the city's trading elite. From the early Middle Ages until the 17th century, there was a law prohibiting aristocrats from building palaces here and generally staying in the city for more than three days. Even the king did not have his own residence in Porto and lived as a guest in the Bishop's Palace. The city managed to win many civil liberties from the bishop, but resistance to the Lisbon authorities was, of course, unsuccessful. For example, a protest against a wine trading company founded by the Marquis de Pombal was suppressed by force, and Governor General Joao de Almada was sent to Porto. However, he himself and his son Francisco did a lot of good for the city. It is to them that Porto owes the success of the improvement and expansion of the city in the second half of the 18th century.

In the 19th century, Porto was a stronghold of liberal forces whose activities led to the overthrow of the monarchy. The first constitution was proclaimed here in 1822. The first, albeit unsuccessful, uprising of the Republicans took place in Porto. Salazar's dictatorial regime was not popular in this city from the very beginning.

Now Porto is an industrial center, and its harbor, Leixões, is Portugal's second largest port. The townspeople are distinguished by their hard work and unpretentiousness. Every Portuguese knows the saying: “They party in Lisbon, work in Porto, study in Coimbra, and pray in Braga.”

The ancient city, which gave its name to the whole country, is incredibly beautiful and attractive. You can wander for a long time through the labyrinths of narrow streets and look at the colorful houses that resemble toy houses that have been preserved from past eras. Guests of this colorful pearl of Portugal feel as if time has stopped here. The city, which has seen a lot in its lifetime, only gets better every year.

A little history

The first mentions of Porto date back to the 5th century. Roman troops founded a port, which they called Portus Cale (Porto Cale). The Moors, who occupied the territory, destroyed all the buildings erected by the soldiers. The year 982 is marked by the fact that the settlement becomes Christian, and by order of the Duke of Burgundy, a majestic cathedral is built.

The city was officially founded in 1123, after which it flourished and became an important economic center of the country. The large port is the main trading hub of all of Europe. Even in ancient times, it was famous for its delicious wine - port, which became the iconic drink of the state.

The quaint city of Porto, which has preserved many historical monuments that silently tell the story of its rich history, is the center of the district and municipality of the same name. Located 270 kilometers from Lisbon, it is full of attractions that are protected by UNESCO.

When is the best time to come to Porto?

The weather in the city is determined by the Gulf Stream - the warm current of the Atlantic. In winter, the average temperature is 15 degrees, and in summer the air warms up to 25, and only a light breeze can bring coolness. The ancient city of Porto receives the largest number of travelers from June to September, when the weather is favorable for swimming in the sea.

In February, the city hosts a fun and noisy carnival, so it’s worth booking tickets for this month in advance. And lovers of theatrical performances rush here in September, when the best troupes in the world, including from Russia, come on tour.

City-museum

Tourists love to walk along the narrow streets and enjoy the spirit of freedom that permeates charming Porto (Portugal). Detailed information about the beautiful town will allow everyone to navigate it well, so it is recommended to purchase a map of the cultural center of the country. Guests feel as if a beautiful ship, consisting of ancient houses located in the rocks, proudly floats out of the turquoise water.

The cozy city, where modern buildings harmoniously combine with ancient ones, is full of unique attractions that evoke a sense of admiration among tourists. Medieval buildings, looking mysterious in the sunset rays, fascinate with their mystical beauty. The unique city of Porto (Portugal), with its varied architecture, is more reminiscent of an ethnographic museum than an ordinary settlement.

Historical Center

Sprawling on the hills near the mouth of the Douro River, which has fed vines for many centuries, tourists are delighted by the charming Porto at first sight. The city center, perfectly preserved to this day, is very compact and is best explored by wandering along the cobblestone streets, which often turn into steep stairs. It is recommended to start your acquaintance with the birthplace of first-class port wine from a lively place filled with a special atmosphere.

City Cathedral

The Sé Cathedral, of an unusual leaden-gray hue, is located at the very top of the hill and is visible from anywhere in the city. Built not only as a church, but also as a fortress, it was rebuilt several times and lost the features of a single architectural style. The appearance of the impregnable religious landmark is harsh and at the same time beautiful. The main decoration of the cathedral is the expensive altar made of pure silver. The Romanesque rose on the facade, the covered Baroque gallery, the Gothic courtyard, and the gloomy interior make an indelible impression on visitors to the fortress-sanctuary.

In June, the city of Porto (Portugal) attracts a huge number of parishioners who come from different parts of the country for the feast of St. Antonio.

Palacio da Episcopale

Next to the cathedral is the Bishop's Palace, which stands out among other magnificent buildings with its 60-meter facade. Proudly rising above the low buildings, the historical landmark was rebuilt several times. Such outstanding dimensions reflect the role of the bishop during the Middle Ages. The modern appearance of the luxurious building, built in the Baroque style, is the result of an 18th-century reconstruction carried out by the chief architect of Portugal, Nasoni.

The architect of Italian origin left behind many great monuments, including the museum of the Republican poet Guerra Junqueiro, located not far from the cathedral.

Exchange Palace

Palácio da Bolsa is considered the main pearl of the Old Town. Two centuries ago it was the residence of the city's commercial elite, and now the building houses a museum with a collection of paintings and sculptures. Heads of state arriving in the city of Porto on an official visit meet in one of the halls of the palace.

Rua Santa Catarina

The main pedestrian street, Rua de Santa Catarina, which is over a kilometer long, is home to a huge number of fashion boutiques, luxurious restaurants and beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. The shopping heart of the city is one of Porto's main attractions. The bustling street next to the train station comes to a standstill on Sunday as all the shops are closed. It is at this time that you can see the unique facades of ancient buildings of past eras.

Bairro da Se

A walk around Porto is not complete without visiting the poorest quarter of the city. The colorful Bairro da Se with its intricate labyrinth of small streets is of particular interest to tourists. Gloomy alleys reminiscent of walk-through courtyards, laundry hung on colorful balconies, crowded colorful houses seem to transport guests several centuries ago. The poor people of the area have always lived by the port, and when in the 60s of the last century it was moved to the open ocean, their life, established over the years, began to decline. However, Bairro da Se recently received the status of a protected zone, which will help renovate the old houses of the poor. There is a certain magic in these dilapidated buildings, never restored, and rickety wooden shutters, riddled with cracks.

Ribeira

The sights of the vibrant city of Porto (Portugal) are so diverse and numerous that it is impossible to explore them even in a week. However, one cannot help but plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, which hovers in the colorful Ribeira district. It is noisy here from morning to late evening, and numerous cozy taverns with tables on the parapet welcome cheerful visitors. The promenade, located on the banks of the Douro, consists of gallery streets, courtyards, and coffee terraces. Despite the fact that this is a residential area, it looks like a real open-air museum.

Multi-colored multi-storey buildings, some of which have already undergone restoration, are located so close to each other that their balconies touch. The facades of the buildings are lined with colored azulejo tiles, and the ancient walls appear to be decorated with shiny stone scales. Nighttime entertainment brings time-honored structures to life, while small ships moored along the waterfront add character to the area.

Ponte de D. Luis

In the ancient coastal area, the famous Luis I Bridge connects the city of Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, from where you can admire a stunning panorama of the ancient capital of Portugal. The steel arch structure, which is part of the historical center, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beautiful bridge, consisting of two spans, was designed by a student of the famous Eiffel. The upper one has a metro line, and the lower one is intended for motorists and pedestrians.

Museu Romantico

In the house where King Carlo Alberto lived, the curious Romantic Museum was founded. After the death of the royal person, the ruler’s personal belongings are stored on the upper floors, and the first floor houses the Port Wine Institute (Solar Vinho do Porto), where visitors can taste more than 150 brands of fine wine.

What else to visit in the city?

The aristocratic cafe Majestic is an unusual establishment that tells the modern history of the port city. Once upon a time, public figures and the country's creative elite gathered here, but now the local landmark is adored for its luxury and unique atmosphere.

Porto, which leaves no one indifferent, whose sights tell a story of a long history, will allow every guest to ride in an ancient tram, lined with wood, and enjoy the view of the Atlantic Ocean from the window.

Of course, after visiting the homeland of port wine, you definitely need to visit the distilleries, most of which are located near the Ribeira quarter. On excursions, visitors will learn the intricacies of port production, see huge wine barrels and taste the best varieties of port wine.

Located in the city center, the Livraria bookstore will appeal even to those who don’t really like to read. The unusual interior with amazing stained glass windows, wooden steps, and glass shelves delights tourists who arrive in the fantastically beautiful city of Porto. The country of Portugal recently became famous throughout the world after the statement of the writer D. Rowling that it was the Livraria bookstore that became the prototype of the Hogwarts wizarding school. And now the numerous visitors who adore Mr. Potter are charged an entrance fee, but the flow of tourists does not dry out.

This fabulous city, where you want to return again, fascinates with its unique beauty. Hospitable Porto, where you need to walk so as not to miss a single architectural monument, will delight gourmets, shopaholics, connoisseurs of good wine, theatergoers and everyone who loves a fun and educational vacation.

...or one day in the city that gave its name to the country .
Despite the fact that I left the story about the northern capital of Portugal, the city of Porto, to the end, a visit to this beautiful city was the very middle of our " Great Portuguese Motor Rally "And I left it for a snack because Porto is so cool that it needs to be taken to a separate “hall of fame” and placed on a special shelf. If you have enough time and can afford two weeks to get to know Portugal, you You are free to choose the location for this city yourself, but if you only have one day to grab yourself a piece of Portugal, then you should choose Porto... You don’t have to go to the cliffs of Albufeira, skip Lisbon, and don’t climb 2000 meters on Torre Sierra da Estrela, you may not even see Sintra, Evora and Coimbra, but you can’t ignore Porto! Porto is one of the most interesting and remarkable cities in Portugal, as well as the second city in the country in terms of population. Moreover, it was Porto that gave its name not only to the whole country, but also the famous fortified wine Port.

Porto is one of the oldest cities in Europe, the former capital of the country and the current capital of port wine. It is also a vibrant industrial center, the historical part of which, continuously inhabited since at least the 4th century, received World Heritage Site status from UNESCO in 1996. Unlike other major cities in the country, the center of Porto is not so much baroque as it is granite and monumental. The history of Porto dates back to around 300 BC. e. with Proto-Celtic and Celtic people being the first known inhabitants. Ruins from this period have been discovered in several areas. In the area of ​​modern Porto there was also a settlement of the Gallecs. The Roman general Decimus Junius Brutus Callaicus conquered the city around 136 BC.
The Romans named the city Portus Cale, that is, a beautiful port. This name was later transformed into Portucale, which later gave the name to the entire country - Portugal.
We drove to Porto from the Busacu Palace, about the night in which I. Due to thick fog, we did not waste time at the top of Cruz Alto and were in Porto early in the morning. As a result, it took us exactly a day to get to the city, which was both enough and a little too short. Taking into account almost a week on Portuguese soil, we had already absorbed enough of the local flavor, and therefore we did not waste time sitting stupidly on the embankment, but immediately began to get to know the city closely.

When we flew into the suburbs of Porto at a speed of 165 km/h, the clouds were just rising and there was a noticeable breeze of freshness from the ocean. Having crossed the Douro River, in the valley of which grapes for the famous port wine are grown, we turned towards the center and immediately came across cars parked along the cliff. Free parking 10 minutes from the center. I should stop and look at the bridges.

And we left the car five minutes from Ponte Luis. Looking ahead, I will say that we never overtook it, because in the center where we lived it was very sad with parking, and the subway for 25 euros seemed a little expensive. So the car spent the night on the embankment between the bridges.

And here it is the real Porto with its own flavor, which is not found in any other city in Portugal.

The inhabitants of Porto were and continue to be called “tripeiros” - “offal eaters”. Its soup is still a signature delicacy of the city. At the same time, the townspeople are culturally set apart from the rest of Portugal, and here you can often hear the phrase: “Porto is a nation.”

On the opposite side of the river, there is a monastery and, as it were, another city - Vila Nova di Gaia, although it is perceived as a district, part of Porto.

It is from Vila Nova di Gaia that you need to start getting acquainted with Porto. It's better to start from the embankment. Then go up to the observation deck and enjoy the views of the city, which is more than 2300 years old. We cross to the other side via the Luis 1st Bridge.

Somewhere there, almost half a kilometer away, we threw our “penny” and heavy things.

As you move along the bridge, the city begins to open up from new angles. Porto is great!

For seven centuries, until 1956, wine was transported to Vila ova de Gaia on picturesque flat-bottomed sailing ships called barcos rabelos. Now this is done by rail. But the Barkosh Rabelos boats are still a symbol of the city.

Lots and lots of barcos rabelos on the Porto promenade. I deliberately do not say Villa Nova de Gaia, because this is a formality, in fact it is a single city, united with its suburbs into a large municipality with a population exceeding the number of inhabitants of modern Latvia. 2,400,000 inhabitants! Therefore, I insist that Villa Nova de Gaia is an area of ​​Porto, the embankment opposite the center.

I’ll tell you about port wine itself, its production and other things in the next publication. Today we’re going for a walk.

Along the embankment there are countless cellars where port wine of all famous and most unknown brands is stored. You can go to the cellars like a museum and look at the stacks of barrels.

Barrels on Barkosh Rabelosh props for the surroundings. Every self-respecting port wine house must have a couple of boats with barrels at the pier. Otherwise it’s somehow not solid. There are also utilitarian walking trails there.

I walked to the very end of the embankment to the distant cellars. In appearance, these are typical warehouse hangars from prehistoric times.

The most beautiful thing across the river is the center of Porto, the Ribeira district, where tripeiros live. The name of the area came from them. Tripeiros are tripe eaters. It just so happened that hard-working fishermen were always poor, and after selling the fish, they only got fish entrails. Now this is no longer a fishing area, and you won’t see boats with nets here, but it’s incredibly colorful.

The photo below shows an old tram, which is 80 years old and has the first number. No others. It goes all the way to the ocean, the trip costs 4 euros. The interior is wooden, with two cabins.

Inesa went to the observation deck by cable car, I went on foot, it was important for me to photograph what fascinated me about the appearance of the old city.

It took me a good half an hour to get up to the monastery’s platform. The steep streets are skillfully hidden from strangers; without the navigator on my phone, I would not have found the way up.

But there is still a long way to go. While we are admiring the views of Porto.

The city has a special aura. Porto is charming, cozy and compact. You won't need public transport. Ditch the car behind the bridges and walk forward.

Pay attention to the Ponte Luis bridge, it is two-tiered. Below are cars and people, above are trains previously and the metro now. Although the metro looks more like an overweight tram, this does not change the essence. And under the bridge there are dozens of barkosh rabeloshes.

Look at the colorful houses with two windows in the first row on the embankment. Isn't this lovely?

We will reach the rough side of the road in the late afternoon.

The tiered buildings are incredibly picturesque and photogenic. Especially from a distance. I put on Zuiko 40-150 so as not to twist the pancake to the maximum.

In the photo below we see several attractions of Porto. This is the bell tower of the Clérigos Church, the highest in Portugal, which served as a beacon and landmark for sailors in the last century, this is the Cathedral, and the episcopal palace-residence. (white building)

Look at the top row of windows of the bishop's palace. We will return to the middle window later.

Whether long or short, I return to the bridge to begin my ascent to the observation deck. This bridge is not easy. Bridge of Don Luis (Ponte de Dom Luis). The bridge over the Douro River is one of the symbols of Porto. The lower tier of the bridge is for cars, on the upper tier there is a metro in the middle part, and pedestrians along the edges. The metro runs quite infrequently, so pedestrians can easily cross from one side of the bridge to the other - they have different views. That's what I did, by the way.

The 385 m long bridge connects Porto and its southern suburb, Vila Nova di Gaia. The height of the bridge is 44 m. By design, it is a metal arch bridge, the longest bridge of its type in the world. It was built from 1881 to 1886 according to the design of Théophile Seyrig, Gustave Eiffel's partner and student. They say Eiffel himself made some amendments to the finished project, which won the construction competition due to its low cost and began to bear the name of King Louis the First.

Poor area of ​​Porto.

Well, where is my Neska? The funicular is stupid. 300 meters of pleasure, although saving energy.

From the top, Porto is even more beautiful.

A couple of kilometers away, around the bend of the river, in its delta you can meet dolphins. After all, the ocean already begins there and they swim into fresh water to hunt fish.

In principle, here is all the Porto that interests us. It is not that huge and two days for the city is enough.

This is the same metro, a double carriage going along the Don Luis Bridge, although it is also called the Eiffel Bridge.

It is very difficult to force a non-photographer to photograph you the way you want.

Roofs of cellars.

The bridge is all steel and echoing.

We walk there, we walk back. There along the lower tier, back along the top. You must cross the bridge. After all, at the very end and beginning there is an observation deck with a beautiful view of the city.

Go ahead.

After an hour or more, we eventually enter the historic Ribeira district.

From the Douro embankment (Ribeira station, almost under the Don Luis Bridge) you can climb the cliff in a couple of minutes and €2.50. The upper Batalha station is 300 m from the São Bento train station and metro station, at the same altitude. The funicular serves as a tourist attraction, but if you don't mind the money, this is a pretty good way to save energy and time if you need to climb from the river to the level of the upper tier of the bridge. In my opinion, it’s boring, and really going nowhere.

Hiking routes are much more picturesque. Nobody used the funicular in our time, and we didn’t see it at all.

Not the richest Portuguese live under the bridge.

The yellow house, one window wide, is for rent or sale.

In the upper left corner of the picture you can see the platform from which we are walking.

Silent question.

Below you can already see the famous Sao Bento train station.

But we examine everything in order. And first along the way we have a Romanesque cathedral and views from its entrance.

Our next destination was the Clérigos bell tower. Here in the cathedral you can buy a single ticket for three locations. Cathedral and Museum, Clérigos Tower, and Episcopal Palace with a guided tour. There is no free entrance to it, you need to save time and go with a guide.

First the cathedral. The cathedral was rebuilt from an old fortress in the XII-XVIII centuries,

Entrance to the cathedral itself is free.

The Romanesque Cathedral, one of the oldest and one of the most prominent buildings in Porto, was built from the early 12th to the 13th centuries. The facade of the cathedral consists of two square towers with unusual domes (made in 1772), between which there is a Romanesque rose window. The entrance portal was built in the same 1772 in the Baroque style. The interior retains the nave and Romanesque columns, but almost all of the interior decoration is Baroque. To the south of the cathedral is an originally Gothic cloister.

The history of Porto dates back to the Roman Portocale, which existed in the 5th century, but there were settlements on this site much earlier. At the beginning of the 8th century it was captured and destroyed by the Moors, and at the end of the 10th century these lands were liberated by Prince Henry of Burgundy. By his order, construction of a cathedral began here in 982. In 1147, the bishop of Porto, Dom Hugo, organized the English, German and flagship crusaders on a sea campaign against Lisbon. They helped Afonso Henriques liberate the future capital of Portugal from the Moors. During the era of geographical discoveries, Portugal became the most important maritime and trading power in Europe, and Porto became its main port and shipbuilding center.

From its very foundation, Porto has been a freedom-loving, independent city. There were often riots and uprisings here, and even the Inquisition did not have much power in Porto. In 1757, residents rebelled against the wine monopoly imposed by the Marquis of Pombal (to rebuild Lisbon after the earthquake). In 1832, Porto was the center of the House of Miguel's struggle for power, and in 1878 the first republican elections were held here.

We liked the cathedral. Something between a fortress, a monastery and a palace. It's worth its three euros.

I was a little stuck in this picture. What's on the plate? I see a dog here. Explain how and what?

And of course I will azulez whole walls.

And in chests of drawers like these with many drawers, the saints put bills.

This is what the observation deck looks like at the entrance to the cathedral, and on the right is the entrance to the bishop’s palace, but our excursion is in a couple of hours, so we’re going to have lunch at the Clérigos bell tower, and I’ll tell you about the palace in general in the next publication.

The seagulls here are unusually impudent.

For food, we chose a small cafe with a chef who didn’t speak English but fed us deliciously and not expensively.

Cathedral from below.

And Porto on top. Right below me is the same cafe.

And then we wandered to the Clérigos Church through the streets of Ribeira.

Personally, I just love places like this. A real non-tourist Porto with locals, its own rhythm and lack of glamour.

Here the narrow streets have their own life.

This is where we go from the cathedral. You can simply wander along landmarks without a navigator.

While we were meandering, we came across an “observation deck” mentioned somewhere on the Internet. By chance, but I immediately remembered her. A place for informals, apparently.

It's not very clean here, but during the day it's tolerable.

From here you can clearly see the Villa Nova de Gaia area.

But the best view, for my taste, is towards the Episcopal Palace and the Don Luis-Eiffel Bridge.

Tyts tut, alcohol, vodka, cigarettes?

Yes, we were here, we drank Sandeman, ate tripe, and generally fell in love with Porto.

Some kind of lilac street....

We almost reached Clérigos.

Here begins a more modern area, wide streets, cars, trams, banks and offices.

But the unique atmosphere of Porto still remains here.

And here she is Torre dos Clérigos.

The church itself is decorated inside with multi-colored marble, no external paints. This is the Catholic Church of Clerigos with a bell tower (Torre dos Clerigos), which is the tallest in Portugal (76 meters) and the symbol of Porto. For a long time it was a reference point for sailors. We're heading upstairs.

To get to the tower and bell tower you need to walk along a very narrow staircase. Two people cannot separate. With a backpack it’s generally an ambush. We created a couple of traffic jams. But at the turns a little wider and pressing against the wall, those going down were allowed to pass.

The tower has two levels. That is, there are higher and lower. Several tourists were very surprised when we emerged from the wall, descending from the top and immediately rushing up.

Everything from Porto is in full view. In principle, there are enough views from here and apart from the site on the other side of the river, you don’t need to look for anything else.

Orange tiles, colored houses, colorful and bright.

Some houses are very tiny and squeezed into some cracks.

Here is almost all of Ribeira in one frame.

This is the eastern part of the city.

This is the northern...

Suddenly you couldn’t believe that we climbed 70 meters along the old stone steps. So here's your proof. In the next part, evening Porto, the embankment, and port wine, of course.

Porto is a city that looks like an ethnographic museum. He gave the name not only to the entire country, but also to the famous fortified wine Port.

Porto, photo Benjamin Gillet

Porto is a city in northern Portugal, at the mouth of the Douro River, near the Atlantic Ocean. In size and importance it is ranked second after Lisbon. The old town of Porto is located on the right bank of the river. Since 1996, it has the status of a UNESCO site. The architecture of the old center took several centuries to form and is completely preserved. The city can compete with the capital in terms of the number of attractions and beauty.

Modern Porto is a developed industrial center. The city, with a population of about 240,000 inhabitants, has had a metro system since 2002. Six unique bridges were built across the Douro. Leixoes Harbor is an important cargo port in the country. Porto is home to the largest university in Portugal.

How it all began

The history of the city began with a Roman settlement in the 5th century. On the left bank of the Douro River lived the Portus tribe, on the right - Calais, so the territory was called Portucale. In the 8th century, the settlement was captured by the Moors. In the 10th century, Muslims were expelled, and a new Christian county arose - the domain of Henry of Burgundy (father of Afonso Henriques).

During the Age of Discovery, Porto flourished. The 13th-14th centuries were a time of cooperation between Portugal, England and other countries of the Hanseatic League. Porto was a commercial, bourgeois and industrial city. He always sought autonomy from the central government and opposed Lisbon. In the 15th century it became a shipbuilding center. Local residents have always had a rebellious character. Uprisings broke out here more than once.

It was in Porto that the first Portuguese Constitution was adopted.

Sights of Porto

Luis I Bridge

Porto Cathedral

Church of St. Ildefonso

Modern Art Museum

Art Museum

Electric Transport Museum

Museum of Transport and Communications

Port Wine Museum

Cafe Majestic

Ribeira Quarter, photo Mariana Daher

The ancient quarter of Ribeira on the banks of the river is the heart of Old Porto. Its narrow streets with colorful house facades are intertwined like a labyrinth; some houses still stand on Roman foundations. Many of the buildings are beautifully decorated with azulejos, traditional ceramic tiles in blue and white tones. It is always noisy here - numerous restaurants and cafes, colorful taverns are open until late in the evening.

Ribeira embankment, photo AN07

Cais da Ribeira is a colorful embankment along the Douro River. Here you can see fragments of the ancient fortress wall and ancient cargo ships that used to transport port wine and now “serve” as pleasure ships. On the embankment you will take great photos and buy souvenirs.

Bridge of Louis I, Eiffel's disciple

Luis I Bridge, photo Małgorzata Kaczor

Luis I Bridge (Ponte de D. Luís) (1886) is one of the hallmarks of Porto. This is a two-level bridge, built on the site of an old stone one. The architect is Gustave Eiffel's student and companion, Théophile Cyrig. The lower level is for cars and connects the Ribeira area with the cellars and wine warehouses of the satellite town of Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper one is for the metro, it connects the area of ​​the São Bento train station with the upper part of Vila Nova di Gaia. Pedestrians can walk on both levels. The Luis I Bridge is one of the best viewing points in Porto. Not far from the bridge there are a funicular and the remains of the Fernandina fortress wall (XIV century).

Porto Cathedral

Se Cathedral, photo by E Assad (Massad)

Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral do Porto) is a temple rebuilt from a Romanesque fortress in the 12th century. Massive battlements and two impressive towers still give the cathedral the features of a defensive citadel. In one of the chapels of the temple there is a unique altar made of 800 kg of silver. In 1809, the defenders of the city saved it from Napoleonic soldiers.

Episcopal Palace

Bishop's Palace, photo rangaku1976

The Bishop's Palace (Paço Episcopal) is located next to the Se Cathedral. This is a two-story Romanesque building from the 12th century, reconstructed in the spirit of Baroque and Rococo.

Church of Saint Ildefonso, photo ChihPing

Church of Santo Ildefonso (Igreja de Santo Ildefonso), XIII century. Rebuilt at the beginning of the 18th century, decorated with azulejos, more than 11 thousand tiles were used to cover the walls. Eight original stained glass windows and an organ from 1811 have been preserved in the decoration of the temple.

Clérigos Church, photo Dan

Igreja dos Clérigos is a baroque church of the Brotherhood of Clerics, built in 1750. The main facade and tympanum are decorated with statues and reliefs; the nave of the building has an oval plan. Attached to the church is the 76-meter tall Torre dos Clérigos campanile, built between 1754 and 1763. This is the highest bell tower in the country; for many years it served as a landmark for sailors. On the sixth tier of Torre dos Clérigos there is an excellent observation deck.

Town Hall

City Hall, photo Diego Delso

Construction of the Porto City Hall (Câmara Municipal do Porto) began in 1920, but it began to be used for municipal purposes only in 1957. The six-story monumental granite building has a basement, two courtyards, a 70 m high clock tower, you can climb by overcoming 180 steps. Inside there are solemnly decorated halls. The interior of the building is made of marble and granite.

Freedom Square, photo by Diego Delso

Freedom Square (Praça da Liberdade) is an architectural complex of the 19th–20th centuries. in the southern part of Porto. There is a monument to King Pedro IV, who gave Portugal a constitution; stands the Cardosas Palace. The square is adjacent to the Central Station (Estação São Bento). And the square itself is surrounded by banks, hotels, restaurants and numerous offices.

Sau Bento Station

Sao Bento Station, photo Concierge.2C

São Bento Central Railway Station (Estação São Bento) (1916) is a hymn to the beauty of the Portuguese Azulejos. Magnificent panels on the walls of the building are made of blue and white tiles depicting scenes from the most striking episodes in the history of Portugal.

National Museum

Soares dos Reis, photo Alegna13

Soares dos Reis (Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis) – National Museum, opened in 1833, it occupies the neoclassical building of the Carrancas Palace (Palácio das Carrancas). The basis of the collection is a collection of works by the sculptor Soares doj Reis. In addition to sculptures, there is a rich collection of Portuguese painting of the 19th–20th centuries, a collection of paintings of the 17th–18th centuries, silver, ceramics, interior items, textiles, glass from Portugal and the countries of the East.

For connoisseurs of art and history, Porto has a wide variety of museums. The most interesting:
Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu de Arte Contemporanea de Serralves),
art museum - house-workshop of Antonio Carneiro (Casa-oficina António Carneiro),
Museum of Electric Transport (Museu do Carro Eléctrico),
Museum of Transport and Communications (Museu dos Transportes e Comunicações),
Port Wine Museum (Museu do Vinho do Porto).

Cafe Majestic

Majestic Cafe, photo by Lilly Darma

The Majestic Café is the most famous establishment in the city, operating since 1921. There are pompous interiors in the Art Deco style, a rich menu, and a huge assortment of coffee and desserts. It is said that it was in the Majestic Cafe that British writer JK Rowling began writing about Harry Potter.

Portuguese port

Portugal is the birthplace of port wine (Vinho do Porto), everyone knows this. It was Porto that was the main center of production and transportation of the “national treasure” since the 12th century. The name of the wine is protected by origin: only liqueur wines made from grapes grown in the Douro Valley and sold in Porto can be called “porto”. The authenticity and quality of Portuguese port wines are protected by the state. The origin of the drink is confirmed by a guarantee stamp issued by the Portuguese Institute of Winemaking. There are many wine companies, large and small, operating in the city. The most famous brand of port wine is produced by the family winery Calem. The company even founded its own museum – “Porto Calem”.

Entertainment and holidays

People in Porto love fun and entertainment. Carnivals, processions, and costume balls take place here all the time for any occasion. They are accompanied by fireworks, plenty of food, and musical performances.

In February, Porto hosts a carnival.

In June, St. Anthony's Day is celebrated, and the Cathedral becomes the center of events these days.

On the night of June 24, locals jump over the fire and set off fireworks - this is how the Catholic celebration of the birth of St. John (São João do Porto) takes place.

In September, the city hosts the International Festival of Puppet Theaters - audiences come from all over Europe.

House of Music, photo Marinhopaiva

A large-scale House of Music was built in the city; Transparent walls have been erected in two of its halls.

Nightlife in Porto is also vibrant. The city has many nightclubs where you can have fun and relax. Most of these establishments are located on the Ribeira promenade and in the suburb of Matosinhos.

Lovers of nature and leisurely walks will appreciate the Botanical Garden, the oldest in Portugal.

What's up with the weather?

Winter in Porto is warm and mild, the temperature is about +14°. Summer is quite hot and humid, the air warms up to +25°. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in winter. August is considered a comfortable and warm month. The average water temperature in summer is +17°.

What's a typical thing to eat?

Portuguese cuisine is simple and hearty, it is also called “peasant”. It uses fish, seafood and meat, and the side dish is usually rice with vegetables. Be sure to try: beef offal; feijoada (a dish of meat, rice and red beans); mashed potato soup with cabbage; stewed cod with peas; baked trout; olive caviar. From the exotic: monkfish, wolf perch, goat cheese with a thick rind.

Almost all sweet dishes are prepared with the addition of almonds and cinnamon. Desserts include a variety of cakes and pastries, mousses and puddings, crispy cookies and fruit salads.

Souvenirs

It is better to buy gifts and souvenirs for family and friends in shops on Santa Catarine Street. This is where many souvenir shops, street markets and antique shops are located.

The most popular gift from Porto is a bottle of Portuguese port. It is worth paying attention to ceramics, products made from cork oak bark, figurines of cockerels, shoes and textiles.

Transport in Porto

Vintage tram in Porto, photo Andreas Nagel

Any city attraction located within the city can be reached by a metro consisting of three lines. This is the optimal transport for tourists to Porou.

You can also get around the city by buses and trams. Night transport is available. An alternative to public transport is a taxi.

But what you should definitely do in Porto is take a ride on a vintage tram from 1930 and see the Atlantic Ocean from its window. The tram's interior is lined with wood; the driver operates the car while standing, as there are no seats.