Porto is the second city in size and importance in Portugal.
It is situated in the north of the country, on the northern bank of the Douro
River, just off the coast of the Atlantic
Ocean. The country and the Port
Wine (Portuguese:
Vinho do Porto) owe their names to the city of Porto.
Historic references go back to the 5th
century, to the Roman
times. In the period before the foundation of Portugal it was named Portus
Cale - Harbour of Cale in English. The surrounding county was thus
named Condado Portucalense. This county later became the independent
kingdom called Portugal, which expanded to its current frontiers.
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.
Rich from centuries of trade, modern Porto 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 stored and savoured by wine lovers all over the world.
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. The ongoing restoration of this lively quarter is
attracting a growing number of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Justifying its selection as the 2001 European Capital of Culture, Porto boasts several important attractions, including the 12th century Sé
Cathedral and the magnificent São Francisco Church with its striking gold
encrusted interior.
Crossing the spectacular two tiered Dom Luís bridge brings you to Vila
Nova da Gaia, the true home of Port wine. Here, visitors can tour the
world famous lodges, which bear such familiar household names as Taylor's,
Grahams, Cockburns and Sandeman. The highlight of the tour is the
mandatory wine tasting session at the end.
The fishing towns of Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira to the north of Porto
boast some of the best fish and seafood restaurants in Portugal.
Travelling south and within easy reach of the city, visitors to Espinho
are promised a relaxed beach side resort setting with hotels, discotheques
and a first class casino.
One of Portugal's internationally appreciated products is Port Wine.
Its name comes from the fact that it ages in cellars in Porto's sister
city Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river.