Portugal´s most important Cities

PORTO

The North´s most important city, called Portus-Cale by the Romans, lent its name to the world-renowed wine. Porto grew at the mouth of the Douro and became an important commercial city; Its inhabitants take pride in their reputation for industriousness. Commerce has ruled here since the time of the Phoenicians. On the right bank of the river you can find a charming city whith medieval quarters, Gothic steeples, Baroque spirals, handsome wooden boats, and colorful outdoor markets ready to be savored like the blends of a fine tawny Port.

Here you must see its typical quarters, especially the area on the waterside ( a Ribeira) and the bustling downtown.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Sights:

Views of the city and environs from the Clerigos tower
View of Porto from the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Serra do Pilar
Port Wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia
Palacio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange)
Medieval quarter of Barredo
Torre dos Clerigos (Porto´s ex-libris)


Museums:

Museu Soares do Reis (Portuguese art masters)
Museu Guerra Junqueiro (Hispano-Arabic pottery and Flemish tapestries)
Museu de Arte Sacra (religious treasures)
Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Tile Museum)
Museu Romantico (and Solar do Vinho do Porto)
Casa de Serralves (modern art museum)


Churches:

The Se (Gothic Cathedral and crypt of the bishops of Porto)
Igreja de Sao Francisco
Igreja de Cedofeita (Roman-Gothic church)
Igreja do Carmo (tiles)
Igreja da Lapa (with its monumental organ)

Parks and Gardens:

Jardim Botanico
Parque da Cidade
Jardim de Serralves