Capital and gateway to the north of Portugal, Porto is both the city that provided a nation with a name and a fortified wine known world-wide: port.
With its splendid geographical location on the mouth of the river Douro and an architectural heritage of exceptional quality, the historic centre of Porto was declared UNESCO World Heritage in 1996. Porto is the capital of the North and the second largest city in the country; its hard-working inhabitants are noted for their commercial enterprise, always standing firm against outside impositions and foreign invaders, which explains why Porto has become known as the «unvanquished» city.
In addition to its history, any visitor to Porto will be quickly impressed by the forceful character both of the city and its inhabitants.
If you want to get to know the city better, we recommend a gentle stroll through its streets, taking time to admire the typical granite houses and monuments, enjoying a tram ride along the banks of the river, or even going for a boat ride under the city´s six bridges, from where you can enjoy an entirely different view of the city.

The Oporto Downtown

The Porto Baixa (Downtown) is laid out around the Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies), the city´s focal point. At the top of this thoroughfare, there is the imposing Municipal Council building. At the other end, it opens onto the Praça da Liberdade (Liberty Square) where there is a statue of a mounted Pedro IV (19th c.), emperor of Brazil and, like much of Oporto, a supporter of the Liberalism movement. In a show of recognition, the king literally gave his heart to the city, now watched over in the Church of Lapa.
To the side of the square, take a look at the São Bento (Saint Benedict) railway station to see the pictured tiles in the entrance hall. Then head down the Rua das Flores (Street of Flowers), with its goldsmiths and the exuberant baroque façade of the Church of Misericórdia (Compassion), a masterpiece by architect Nicolau Nasoni.
Surrounding this centre, there is a dense network of streets packed with stores and cafes. Of the latter, the magnificent Majestic and the cheerfully bustling Mercado do Bolhão are well worth a visit. On the streets 31 de Janeiro Galeria de Paris and Cândido dos Reis check out the facades with their Art Nouveau finishings.
Heading up Rua de São Filipe Néry, there is the Church and Tower dos Clérigos (Ecclesiastics), the centrepiece of the city and the most original design by Nicolau Nasoni. From 75 metres up in the tower, there is a wonderful panoramic view over the city of Porto and beyond. On the way, nip into the Lello bookshop and admire the lavish decoration bestowed on this temple to culture.

Monuments

Stock-Exchange Palace
A national monument, the Stock-Exchange Palace is the headquarters of the Porto Commercial Association. It was built in neo-classical style in the second half of the 19th century. Located in the centre of the city, it is one of the most visited monuments, notably for its renowned Arabian Hall.

São Francisco Convent Church
The São Francisco Church is one of the few remaining medieval buildings in Porto. Also, it is the only Gothic church in the city. It was part of a Franciscan convent and its construction lasted from the late 14th century until the early 15th century. The medieval architectonic programme went through several occasional changes but its structure remained unaltered.
In this Gothic church of the 14th century upon entering feel us immediately attracted and dazzled by the wealth and magnetism of the Baroque Golden Carving Rocaille that cover him on its totality.

Gastronomy

Porto is located between Douro and Minho, the cradle of the Portuguese nationality. Among the city’s many cultural traditions we emphasise its much-celebrated gastronomy and the appeal it has for visitors.
When talking about Porto we must mention some traditional dishes, such as the Porto Style Tripe, which gave the city’s inhabitants their nickname -- tripeiros – i.e. those who eat tripe.
More than just a recipe, this dish represents some strong characteristics of the Northern people: altruism, self-sacrifice, availability and hospitality.
Porto’s cod and meat dishes and some luscious and rich secular cakes are singled out as examples.
Porto Style eating means to eat abundantly, with great quality and refinement, always in tables well decorated with our jewellers’ silverware and embroidered linen tablecloths.