Exquisite and refined, the city of Porto stands at the mouth of the Rio Douro just a few kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean. Situated in the North of the country, Portugal's second city is inseparably linked to the famous wine that shares its name. With a historical reputation as a rebellious city, Porto's appeal lies in its preserved historical centre listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO, its distinctive atmosphere and its accessibility, at just two hours from Bordeaux.
Founded by the Romans on both sides of the Douro River, Porto was originally two cities known as Portus and Calo which subsequently merged to form Porto. Interestingly, the name of Portugal itself is said to trace its origins back to the city around the 9th century. By the 17th century, Porto had become a thriving trade port due to the exportation of wines and settlement of wealthy English merchants. With an urban area inhabited by more than 2 million people, Porto is now Portugal's second largest economic centre and is home to the most prestigious university in the country. The city also boasts a wealth of architectural heritage, a highly acclaimed modern art museum and was crowned European Capital of Culture in 2001.
The city of Porto and the Douro River seem to be almost intrinsically combined. For centuries, the river transported the barrels of precious Porto wine, highly appreciated by the English, on the famous barcos rabelos sailing vessels. These boats can still be seen today along the quays of Ribeira in the old quarter, from where you can discover one of the city's most impressive bridges, the Dom Luís. The Baroquere dos Clerigos tower is Porto's symbolic monument, stretching to a height of 76 metres to offer a birds-eye view across the city including its wineries, the cathedral and the quays. The spirit of Porto is indicated by the blue earthenware Azulejos tilework present throughout the city, with the finest example on display at the Sao Bento train station. And finally, no visit to Porto would be complete without a trip to one of the countless wine cellars to sample the world-class wine with which the city shares its name. The most prestigious wineries can be found at Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the river, where the secrets behind the treasured beverage are revealed.
For a comprehensive guide to this destination, visit portugalmania.com