Information about Oporto
After Lisbon, Porto is the second largest and most important city in Portugal. In fact, its metropolitan area is home to almost 3 million Portuguese people. This city exerts its influence and reference in the northern region of the country. Its long history and dynamism, offer a wide variety of heritage elements, which have earned the city a position as one of the places declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Porto, of ancient foundation, maintained commercial contacts with the Greeks at the time of the apogee of this culture and colonial foundation. Later, after the fall of the Roman Empire and the invasion of the Germanic peoples, the city came under the control of the Swabian Kingdom. Later, with the arrival of the Muslims the city would fall under their control until it was conquered by the Christians in the 9th century.
What to see and do in Oporto
Sé de Porto Cathedral
It is a beautiful cathedral built in the twelfth century, which masterfully combines the Romanesque style with later elements and additions in Gothic and Baroque style. It has been declared a World Heritage Site and is the most representative religious building in Porto.
São Francisco Church
Although the outside gives us the sensation of being in front of a simple gothic church, the truly incredible thing is in its interior. It houses one of the most impressive examples of Portuguese Baroque and practically not an inch is left undecorated or uncovered. If you are short of time and can only visit one church, it should be this one.
Palacio da Bolsa
It is another of the heritage elements of the city declared a World Heritage Site. It is a neoclassical style building, begun in the 19th century, which houses different rooms made with different artistic constructive resources. The golden room and the Arab room, inspired by the Alhambra, stand out.
Lello e Irmão Bookshop
It is a dazzling bookstore located in the center of the city. Built in neo-Gothic style, it is said to be one of the places that inspired J.K. Rowling to write the famous Harry Potter saga.
Ponte de Don Luís
The image of this bridge is one of the most emblematic and iconic of the city. It is a bridge built in the 19th century under the precepts of iron architecture.
São Bento Station
Impressive and majestic construction that stands out for its large set of historical tiles in the city of Porto, which tell the history of Portugal. Nowadays it is the train station of the city.
