The history of Oporto is closely linked to its port. Called Portus by the Romains, Oporto, on the banks of the River Douro and Costa Verde, owes its tremendous expansion to its maritime activity.
Invaded by the Spanish and the Arabs, the city’s architecture bears the influence of these different civilisations. The old town is a marvel, with many period buildings reflecting these different styles: the baroque Church of Igreja Sao Francisco, the cloister of Sé cathedral, covered in azulejo tiles or the Bolsa palace and its Arab hall.
Surrounded by vineyards, Oporto’s reputation has also been built upon Port, its fortified wine, which can be drunk in the city’s many terrace cafés and bars.
