2005 © Oficina Virtual de Turismo
Lying over the river Douro, Porto is one of the
most ancient cities in Europe. It was founded during the Middle Ages and grew
from the northern bank of the Douro. One of the most significant features of
Porto and of its historic centre is its emplacement upon the landscape, a
result of the harmony of its lines and of its urban structure, which make up a
complex of a rare beauty.
To discover Porto is to head for many a surprise. Side by side with its traditional and hospitable
character, there is a contemporary and creative city. The imprint of this
“saber estar” (an expression describing the virtue of appropriate attitude and
behaviour for each different situation) can be felt on its streets, in the
architecture and monuments, in the museums, in the leisure areas, in the
esplanades, in the restaurants and in its shopping areas.
The monumental and artistic heritage of Porto is rich, multifaceted, and is
present in the impressive examples of Baroque architecture, such as the S.
Francisco, Santa Clara, Clérigos and S. Lourenço Churches. The iron bridges, S.
Bento station, the Palácio da Bolsa (stock-exchange palace) and Paços do
Concelho (Town Hall) are so many other representative works of the city’s
architectural heritage.
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