Oporto |
The main reason tourists visit Oporto is to sample its legendary port wine, processed, blended and aged in the various lodges of the Vila Nova da Gaia district across the river from the city, via the spectacular two-tiered Dom Luis bridge. Visitors can tour the lodges and finish up with a tasting session. The city also has an historic riverside district called Ribeira, which is undergoing restoration and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Within easy reach of Oporto there are numerous coastal resorts and fishing villages on the Atlantic coastline, well known for their seafood restaurants. It is possible to cruise down the River Douro to take in the scenic splendour of the area.
Resorts
See our separate guides to the following Oporto holiday resorts: Espinho and Vila do Conde
Attractions
Igreja de Sao Francisco
On the Oporto waterfront stands the church of St. Frances, dating from 1383, which, while not very imposing from the outside, has a lavishly Baroque decorated interior that was created in the 17th and 18th centuries. Pillars and columns within the vault are festooned with gold-gilded cherubs and flower garlands, entwined animals and fruit cornucopia. This feast for the eyes is set off by wide Gothic arches made of marble, which soar into the roof.
Address: Rua do Infante D. Henrique; Telephone: 222 062 100; Opening time: Daily 9am to 6pm (March, April, September, October); daily 9am to 7pm (May to August), daily 9am to 5pm (November to February)
Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis
This extensive art museum opened in 1840, and is today dedicated to Soares dos Reis, the famous sculptor born and bred in Porto. The gallery also houses a foreign art collection which includes works by the Dutch, Flemish, Italian and French masters. There is a large collection of Portuguese 19th century works, including those from the Porto school, and exhibits of ceramics, glassware, gold and silverwork and furniture.
Address: Palacio dos Carrancas, Rua de Dom Manuel II; Telephone: 223 393 770; E-mail: mnsr@ipmuseus.pt; Transport: Bus 3, 20, 35, 37, 52 or 78; Opening time: Tuesday 2pm to 6pm, Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm; Admission: €3; free on Sundays
Solar Vinho do Porto
Visitors come to Oporto for the port wine. The place to head for samples of every port produced in the region (and also the rest of Portugal) is the Solar Vinho do Porto in the Quinta de Macieirinha. Inside the rose-bedecked villa is a relaxed, upmarket tasting room, staffed by knowledgeable hosts who offer glasses or bottles of port, along with some complimentary snacks and information on the port-making process. Also in the villa is a small museum containing a collection of 18th century furniture and some paintings.
Address: Rua de Entre-Quintas 220; Telephone: 22 609 4749; E-mail: solarporto@ivp.pt; Website: www.ivp.pt; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 2pm to midnight
Vila Nova de Gaia
This suburb of Oporto lies on the south bank of the River Douro on the site of an ancient fortified village. Today it is home to more than 50 wine companies who operate their 'lodges' in the winding narrow streets flanked by red-roofed buildings. Most of the lodges welcome visitors for tours and tastings. Among the best known are Sandemans, housed in a former 16th century convent, and Taylors. The suburb also features a 16th century monastery that has interesting circular cloisters and a terrace where the Duke of Wellington planned his attack on the French in 1809.
Excursions