Porto
- Will Gerson
- Aug 27, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 18
Situated on a steep hillside at the mouth of the Douro is Porto, Portugal’s second city.
Cultural Context
Named Portus by the Romans in the first century BC, the city, as its name indicates, has long been an important port as well as a center of shipbuilding; in fact, its ships helped launch the Portuguese Age of Discovery, when Portugal was the first European nation to establish dominance on the high seas, exploring the coast of West Africa and discovering the sea route to India along the way. Porto was the birthplace of noted explorer Prince Henry the Navigator as well as the type of sailing ship known as the caravel, which would revolutionize transport and be used by countless Europeans as a vehicle of exploration and conquest, most notably by Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the Americas.
Beyond its maritime exploits, Porto is widely known for port, a fortified wine made from grapes grown in the Douro Valley just a couple of hours upriver. Traditionally, the grapes were made into the prized red dessert wine in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia directly across the river from Porto before being exported across Europe and to the New World. Porto has always been a city very much connected to the sea, and its architecture reflects the ultimate source of its economic growth: its numerous Manueline churches incorporate maritime motifs in their elaborate stone carvings such as shells, pearls, ropes, anchors, and the navigational tool known as the armillary sphere. The city’s brightly-colored historic center is a testament to Portugal’s golden age in the 15th-17th centuries, when its vast empire stretched from Brazil through Africa to India and the Far East.
Porto is a great destination from which to explore northern Portugal, but be sure not to overlook the city itself. Beautiful architecture, fine gastronomy and wine, and picturesque views make for a great few days exploring the city. Beach lovers will be spoiled for choice in summer, but a visit during rainy winter will provide plenty of atmosphere as well. Read on for a guide to where to spend your time in the city.
Must-See Attractions
Ribeira
The city’s oldest neighborhood can be found at the bottom of the hill right alongside the banks of the river. Follow the twists and turns of the medieval alleys as you make your way down to Cais da Ribeira, the picturesque riverfront promenade lined with pastel houses and tascas (taverns) perfect for sipping a glass of port.
Ponte de Dom Luís I
This double-decker metal arch bridge offers the city’s most spectacular view. Stretching 564 feet (172 meters) across the Douro, it was the world’s longest arch bridge at the time of its construction in 1886. At the opposite end of the bridge lies the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, a 16th-century monastery whose church and cloisters are laid out in a unique circular design.
Sé do Porto
Just up the hill from the Ribeira you will find the Romanesque cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century. In addition to being one of the city’s oldest monuments, the cathedral also offers a beautiful panoramic view of the historic center looking down over the Ribeira.
Igreja e Torre dos Clérigos
One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the tower of the Baroque Igreja dos Clérigos, which stands nearly 250 feet (75 m) tall. Admire the view from the bottom or climb the steep staircase to the top for a panorama over the entire city and the river beyond.
Livraria Lello
One of the world’s most famous bookstores, Livraria Lello’s breathtaking interior makes it one of Porto’s most visited destinations. The bookstore has been around since the 1860s, and its ornate wooden ceilings, spectacular forked staircase, and stained glass skylight on the ceiling are a sight to behold. Although the urban legend that the bookstore inspired J.K. Rowling––who lived in Porto while writing the first Harry Potter book––has since been debunked, one can certainly see the resemblance between it and Hogwarts.
Igreja do Carmo
This church stands out among the plethora of religious buildings in Porto for its magnificent Rococo facade, with a large mosaic of azulejos (tiles) stretching down the side.
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
Come to admire the fabulous facade of this 18th-century Baroque church, made of over 11,000 azulejos. Blue-and-white tiles adorn many of Porto’s churches, but these are among the finest, portraying scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso as well as scenes from the Gospels.
Beaches
Owing to its location just inland from the coast, Porto has numerous beaches to choose from both in and around the city. The most easily accessible are Praia do Carneiro and Praia dos Ingleses, reachable by public transport. For those looking to venture a bit farther afield, I recommend Praia de Miramar to the south of the city, which in addition to the beach is home to the stunning Capela do Senhor da Pedra, a 17th-century chapel built on a large boulder jutting out into the ocean. The chapel was built on top of a pagan ritual site in an attempt to ‘Christianize’ the land, making it one of the oldest places of worship that can be found anywhere in Portugal.
