Travel Portugal
Porto has been inhabited at least since the fourth century; the Romans called it “Portus Cale.”
A TASTE OF PORTO
Portugal’s 2nd-largest city is a treat to explore, from its history to its port wine By Kevin Revolinski historic city center, colorful buildings with red-tiled roofs, phenomenal foods with a namesake, world-famous wine, and a beautiful river running through it—this is Porto, Portugal’s second city after Lisbon, and a real gem of a travel destination.
Back in the days of the Roman Empire, a settlement flourished along the south bank of the Douro River: Portus Cale. As the Empire crumbled, others arrived and settled on the northern side of the river. Over the centurries, the town has changed hands among the Alani, Visigoths, Moors, and Christians. Porto itself is small, but the greater Porto municipality spreads up and down both sides of the river from the Douro Valley to the east out to the Atlantic Ocean two miles to the west. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes the district of Ribeira, which slopes with its cobblestone streets and medieval 58 I N S I G H T December 3 – 9, 2021
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Port Wine The city lends its name to Port, the fortified wine, and the Port Wine Museum occupies a 19th-century warehouse in the old city. But to visit the “port houses,” you must cross the river to the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia. Kopke Port House is the oldest, dating to 1683. Most were founded by UK merchants and bear names such as Taylor’s—one of the largest in the world—and Graham’s. Most of them lie along the riverside street and promenade, Cais de Gaia, which offers views of the pastel buildings of Ribeira and
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: ESBPROFESSIONALPHOTOS/SHUTTERSTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK, KIEV VICTORPHOTOS/SHUTTERSTOCK, IVO RAINHA PHOTOS/UNSPLASH
An Enduring City
buildings down to the riverside. One can find a variety of small shops, bars, and restaurants to disappear into here. Visit the Church of St. Francis, a Gothic structure with a magnificent Baroque interior; the old stock exchange at the 19th-century Palácio da Bolsa; and the city cathedral. Another iconic church, Igreja dos Clérigos, features a 248-foot tower (with 240 steps and a 49-bell carillon) and is iconic to the city.
