In the north of Portugal, there is the city of Porto (in English it is also known as Oporto), which is Portugal’s second largest city. It is interesting to know that Porto, sitting on the steep north bank of the Douro River, gave the name to the whole country. The matter is that the Latin name of the city is Portus Cale, hence the name Portugal.
Porto is interesting from both cultural and historical points of view. The city history predates the Roman occupation. It’s also known that Celtic remains of ancient Citadels were found in the city of Porto. During the Roman period, the city developed as a commercial port in the trade between Lisbon and Braga. In the middle centuries, Porto’s shipyards made a great contribution to the development of the fleet of Portugal.
In 1996, the historic centre of Porto was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In 2001, the city was the 2001 European City of Culture. The photography museum and an orchestra hall were opened in Porto to celebrate this. In Porto there are plenty of sights worth your visit: the area around the Se (the cathedral) with its narrow medieval streets; the Renaissance church of Santa Clara with is beautiful gilded decorations; the São Bento Train Station with splendid tiles; Palácio da Bolsa (the neoclassical Stock Exchange building); gothic Church of Saint Francis. Other attractions of Porto include the Episcopal Palace of Porto, the Cedofeita Church (small romanesque temple), the Clerigos Church, the Jardim do Palácio de Cristal.
It’s really recommended to take a walk along the picturesque banks of the Douro River. If you prefer you can take a boat and have a tour seeing both banks of the river. Across the river there is the Douro Valley, where the Port wine originated. In Vila Nova da Gaia one can visit the port houses and taste the famous wine of Porto also known as Vinho do Porto, Porto or Port.
Porto is famous not only for its wines and sights. In Porto there is the largest Portuguese university in the country, with around 29,000 students. Porto also is a home to the oldest international school that was established in 1894 (the Oporto British School). Thanks to the recognition, many students from the entire Portugal live and study in Porto.
If you want to visit Porto, stay in one of Porto hotels. There is a good choice of accommodations in the city, for any taste.