Porto history

The history of Porto, one of the oldest cities in Europe, dates back to ancient times. The first settlements in this territory, founded by Celtic tribes, date back to approximately the 3rd century BC. However, the key moment in the city's formation came with the arrival of the Romans in 136 BC. It was they who founded a port settlement on the hills at the mouth of the Douro River, which was named Portus Cale. Over time, this name transformed and gave its name not only to the city but to the entire country — Portugal.

The rise of Porto as an important centre was predetermined by several key factors. Firstly, its strategic geographical location at the mouth of the Douro River, flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, made it a natural port and gateway for maritime trade. Secondly, the city played a significant role during the Reconquista, changing hands until 1095, when it became the centre of the newly formed County of Portugal (Condado Portucalense), which formed the basis of the future kingdom. This political status cemented its importance in the region.

From the very beginning, Porto's economy and culture were inextricably linked to trade and navigation. By the 13th-14th centuries, the city had established active maritime trade relations with England, Flanders, and other European countries. Porto gained particular fame and economic prosperity through the wine trade, especially after the signing of the Methuen Treaty with England in 1703, which opened the British market to Portuguese wines. It was then that the production of the world-famous Port wine, which became a symbol of the city, began. The early culture of Porto was distinguished by the independence and enterprising spirit of its inhabitants — until the 17th century, there was a law prohibiting aristocrats from building palaces within the city limits.

Key Milestones in Porto's History

The history of Porto is a kaleidoscope of events that have shaped one of Portugal's most significant cities. From a Roman outpost to a European Capital of Culture, each stage has left its mark on the architecture, culture, and character of this "unvanquished city."

• Around 136 BC — The Romans conquer the Celtic settlement and found the port of Portus Cale, from which the name Portugal is derived.
• 711 AD — The city is captured by the Moors during the Arab conquest of the Iberian Peninsula.
• 1095 — During the Reconquista, Porto becomes the centre of the newly formed County of Portugal, the foundation of the future kingdom.
• 1123 — Porto officially receives city status.
• 1387 — The marriage between King John I and Philippa of Lancaster takes place in Porto Cathedral, cementing the world's oldest Anglo-Portuguese alliance.
• 1394 — Prince Henry the Navigator, a key figure in the Age of Discovery, is born in Porto.
• 1703 — The signing of the Methuen Treaty with England boosts the rapid development of the production and export of Port wine, which becomes a symbol of the city.
• 1809 — During the Napoleonic Wars, the city was occupied by French troops but was soon liberated by the Anglo-Portuguese army.
• 1832–1833 — The city withstands a long siege during the Portuguese Civil War, for which it earns the honorary title Cidade Invicta ("The Unvanquished City").
• 1886 — Construction is completed on the famous double-deck Dom Luís I Bridge, which became one of Porto's symbols.
• 1996 — The Historic Centre of Porto, including the Ribeira waterfront, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• 2001 — Porto is elected as a European Capital of Culture, which contributes to the further development of its cultural infrastructure.

Stages of Porto's Development: From Trading Port to Cultural Centre

The development of Porto is the story of how a city born by the water transformed from a strategic port into one of Europe's most important economic and cultural centres. Key transformations have shaped its unique appearance and character.

• The Age of Discovery (15th-16th centuries). Porto became one of the main centres for shipbuilding and supplying naval expeditions. It was from here that ships laden with provisions set sail into uncharted waters. This period not only strengthened the economy but also shaped the character of the citizens: according to legend, they gave the best meat to the sailors, keeping the tripe (tripas) for themselves, earning them the nickname "Tripeiros" (tripe eaters).
• The Golden Age of Port Wine (from 1703). The signing of the Methuen Treaty with England gave a powerful boost to winemaking. English merchants founded numerous wine houses on the opposite bank of the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, and the export of Port wine became the basis for the region's prosperity for centuries to come. This transformed the economy and the landscape of the Douro coast.
• Industrial Revolution and Bridges (19th century). The construction of monumental metal bridges changed the face of the city. The erection of the Dom Luís I Bridge (1886), designed by Théophile Seyrig, a student of Gustave Eiffel, was a triumph of engineering. This double-deck bridge not only connected Porto with the wine cellars of Gaia but also became one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.
• The Siege of Porto (1832–1833). During the Civil War, the city withstood a year-long siege by absolutist troops. This heroic defence not only upheld liberal ideals but also earned Porto the honorary title "Cidade Invicta" — "The Unvanquished City," cementing its reputation as a freedom-loving and resilient centre.
• UNESCO Recognition (1996). The inclusion of Porto's historic centre, including the Ribeira waterfront and the Dom Luís I Bridge, on the UNESCO World Heritage List launched a large-scale restoration and attracted millions of tourists to the city. This event was a turning point in transforming Porto into one of Europe's most popular travel destinations.
• European Capital of Culture (2001). This status initiated a new wave of cultural and urban development. The brightest symbol of this period was the Casa da Música concert hall, opened in 2005. Its futuristic architecture contrasts with the historic buildings, symbolizing Porto's aspiration towards the future.

The architectural appearance of Porto is a living chronicle of its centuries-old history. The city did not suffer from the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake, thanks to which it has preserved a unique layering of styles, from the austere Middle Ages to bold modernism. Walking through its streets, one can trace how eras, tastes, and the city's economic power have changed.

The Middle Ages: Romanesque Style and Gothic

The foundations of Porto's urban structure were laid in the Middle Ages. The narrow, winding streets of the historic Ribeira district, descending to the Douro River, preserve the spirit of that time. The most striking monument of the era is the Sé Cathedral (Sé do Porto). Founded in the 12th century as a Romanesque fortress-church, it still impresses with its massive walls and austere appearance. Later, in the Gothic period, elegant elements were added to the cathedral, and the Church of Saint Francis (Igreja de São Francisco) was built, which, despite its Gothic structure, is today better known for its dazzling Baroque interior.

Era of Prosperity: Baroque

The 17th and 18th centuries became a "golden age" for Porto, directly linked to the booming development of the Port wine trade. The accumulated wealth was reflected in the lavish and theatrical architecture of the Baroque style. This period gave the city its most recognizable silhouettes. Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni created a landmark ensemble for Porto — the Clérigos Church and Tower (Torre dos Clérigos). The 76-metre bell tower became the tallest structure in Portugal for many years and remains the city's most important observation deck. The interiors of churches, such as the aforementioned Church of Saint Francis or the Church of Santa Clara, were covered with abundant gilded woodcarving (talha dourada), striking in its magnificence.

Modern Times: Neoclassicism and Iron Architecture

In the late 18th and 19th centuries, the pomp of Baroque gave way to the rigor and monumentality of Neoclassicism. This style reflected the spirit of the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution. A key building of this period is the Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa), symbolizing the city's financial power. The Santo António Hospital was also built in this style. The 19th century was also a century of engineering wonders: the symbol of industrialization became the grand double-deck metal Dom Luís I Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel's student Théophile Seyrig.

20th-21st Centuries: From Art Nouveau to Modern Architecture

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Art Nouveau style flourished in Porto, visible in the elegant facades of, for example, the famous "Majestic" café or the "Lello" bookstore. However, a real architectural breakthrough occurred in the second half of the 20th century when the "School of Porto" made a name for itself. Its representatives, world-renowned architects and Pritzker Prize laureates Álvaro Siza Vieira and Eduardo Souto de Moura, shaped the modern face of the city. Among the iconic modern structures are the futuristic Casa da Música designed by Dutchman Rem Koolhaas (2005) and the minimalist Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art (1999), created by Álvaro Siza. These buildings boldly contrast with the historic surroundings, symbolizing Porto's openness to the new and its role as an important centre of contemporary European architecture.

Notable Figures Associated with Porto

Porto has given the world many talented people who have left a significant mark on history, art, and culture. The city is proud of its natives, whose achievements have received global recognition. Here are just a few of them:

• Henry the Navigator (1394–1460) — A Portuguese Infante born in Porto. Although he did not personally participate in voyages, he was the organizer and inspiration behind the maritime expeditions that launched the Age of Discovery. His activities contributed to the exploration of the African coast and laid the foundations for the future Portuguese Empire.
• Almeida Garrett (1799–1854) — An outstanding poet, writer, playwright, and politician born in Porto. He is considered a key figure in Portuguese Romanticism and a reformer of the national theatre. One of the city's squares bears his name.
• António Soares dos Reis (1847–1889) — One of the greatest Portuguese sculptors of the 19th century. His most famous work, "The Exile" (O Desterrado), created in Rome, is considered a masterpiece of Portuguese sculpture. Porto's main art museum, the National Museum Soares dos Reis, is named in his honour.
• Manoel de Oliveira (1908–2015) — A world-renowned film director who was born and lived his entire life in Porto. His career spans more than 80 years, making him one of the longest-living and most prolific directors in film history. Many of his films are dedicated to his hometown.
• Álvaro Siza Vieira (born 1933) — One of the most influential architects of modern times, a Pritzker Prize laureate. He is a leading representative of the "School of Porto." Among his famous works in the city are the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art and the Leça da Palmeira swimming pools complex.
• Eduardo Souto de Moura (born 1952) — Another outstanding architect from Porto and a Pritzker Prize laureate. A student and associate of Álvaro Siza, he is known for his ability to combine modernism with traditional materials. His projects include the redesign of Trindade metro station and the stadium in Braga.
• Rosa Mota (born 1958) — A famous athlete born in Porto. She is the 1988 Olympic marathon champion, as well as a World champion and three-time European champion. One of the city's main concert and sports arenas, the Super Bock Arena (formerly Pavilhão Rosa Mota), is named in her honour.