| PORTO |
This gracious capital of the north is Portugal's second-largest
city and a thriving industrial hub, successfully blending commercial
efficiency with an atmosphere of unpretentious charm.
Originally called Portucale under the Suedes, Oporto became
a bishopric under the Goths before being conquered by the Moors
in 997 under El Mansur.
Rich from centuries of trade, modern Oporto is as much a cosmopolitan
centre as it is a city steeped in the historical events of the
past.
Magnificently situated on the great gorge of the River Douro,
which spills into the Atlantic after its scenic 927 km journey
from Spain, the 'granite city' is best-known for its striking
bridges and the much-celebrated Port wine, which is bought,
stored and savoured by wine lovers all over the world.
What to see. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
in December 1996, the ancient Ribeira riverside district is
a warren of narrow, twisting streets and shadowy arches. UNESCO
was impressed by its immense patrimonial importance and value,
stating that Oporto's 'historic centre, built along the hillsides
overlooking the mouth of the River Douro, forms an exceptional
urban landscape with a thousand-year history. Its continuous
growth can be seen in its many and varied monuments, from the
cathedral with its Roman choir, to the neo-Classical Stock Exchange
and the typically Portuguese Manueline-style church of Santa
Clara.' The ongoing restoration of this lively quarter is attracting
a growing number of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Proud of its selection as the 2001 European Capital of Culture,
Oporto boasts several important attractions, including the 12th-century
Sé Cathedral, once a Romanesque building, and the magnificent
São Francisco Church with its striking gold-encrusted
interior. The Convent of Santa Clara also boasts one of the
richest interiors in Portugal. The church, and especially the
high altar, is a golden glory of carved woodwork. Constructed
in the 12th century, the little Romanesque church of São
Martinho da Cedofeita is the oldest in the city. Some historians
date the church from the 6th century, due to a tablet over the
door attributing it to Theodomir, king of the Visigoths.
Crossing the spectacular two-tiered Dom Luís I bridge
brings you to Vila Nova da Gaia, the true home of Port wine.
Here, visitors can tour the world-famous lodges, which bear
familiar household names such as Taylor's, Grahams, Cockburns
and Sandeman. The highlight of the tour is the obligatory wine-tasting
session at the end.
Nearby. The fishing towns of Matosinhos and Leça
da Palmeira to the north of Oporto boast some of the best fish
and seafood restaurants in Portugal. Travelling south and within
easy reach of the city, visitors to the resort town of Espinho
are promised a relaxing beach-side setting with hotels, discotheques
and a first-class casino.
To the east of the city, the mighty River Douro has been linked
with the city's fortunes since time immemorial, weaving a path
through Portugal's rugged interior towards its source in the
mountains north-east of Madrid. Visitors can reach the Douro
Valley by boat, car or train, passing many of the famous Port
wine-making vineyards and some of the most picturesque villages
in Portugal. |
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| © 2007 Maisturismo |
