| VILA
NOVA DE GAIA |
The bustling suburb of Vila Nova da Gaia lies opposite Oporto
on the steep south bank of the mighty River Douro.
Sitting on top of a pre-Roman fortified hamlet, it was given
town status in 1255 by King Afonso III and then bequeathed to
the aristocracy in order to counteract the power of the bishops
of neighbouring Oporto, who were charging unreasonably high
shipping tolls at the time.
Gaia today is dominated by the Port wine lodges, with over fifty
wine companies based in its narrow, twisting streets. Here,
the ageing and blending of most of the world's supply of Port
wine takes place beneath a sea of red roofs emblazoned with
some of the most famous names in winemaking.
What to see. The 16th-century monastery church of Serra
do Pilar features unusual circular cloisters and panoramic views
of Oporto and the River Douro. From the church's terrace, the
future Duke of Wellington planned his surprise attack on the
French in 1809.
A tour of the cellars is a must for any visitor to Vila Nova
da Gaia, followed by a wine-tasting. One of the best-organised
lodges is Sandeman, founded in 1790 and housed in a former 16th-century
convent with a small museum. Taylor's, one of the last privately-owned
English wine companies, offers a lively, informative tour of
the premises and impressive views from its spacious outdoor
terrace.
Nearby. At Grijo, a few kilometres south of Vila Nova
da Gaia, stands the Augustinian monastery of São Salvador,
commenced in 1574 from the designs of Francisco Velasques. The
two-storey cloister was completed in 1593. |
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| © 2007 Maisturismo |
