Highlights

Church of the Clerics (Igreja dos Clérigos) and Porto Cathedral
The Sé Catedral (Cathedral See) is located in the historical center of the city. It is one of its most important monuments. Its construction began in 1110 and was only finished by the 13th Century. During Baroque times, the appearance of the building was altered. Around 1732 Nicolau Nasoni added an elegant baroque Galilee to the lateral façade of the Cathedral.

The Church of the Clerics, a Baroque church, due to its tall bell tower, can be seen from different points of the city of Porto. It is one of its most characteristic symbols. It was built by Nicolau Nasoni, and the construction began in 1732 and finished in 1750. It was one of the first Baroque churches in Portugal to adopt a typical Baroque elliptic floorplan. The tower was built between 1757 and 1763, showing influence from the Roman Baroque style. It is 75 meters high and has six floors; in order to reach the top, 225 steps must be climbed.

Peneda-Gerês National Park and Montesinho, Alvão and Douro International Natural Parks
In this natural environment you will be able to meet unique species, including golden eagles, wild ponies and the Castro Laboreiro dog breed. Also you will know the village communities that have worked hard in order to keep the traditions of rural life. Among the activities in these areas, you can practise hiking, canoeing, horse riding and cycling. The many rivers and streams offer water-sports and swimming in this natural fresh waters.

Vila Nova de Gaia
Located in the South of Porto, this city is well known by its “lodges” (locally known as “caves”) where the famous Port Wine is aged. The warehouses of the most famous brands dominate this city. Guide tours are offered here to learn more about the process and how wine is made. You can also taste these fantastic wines at Caves Taylor’s, Caves Croft or Quinta do Panascal.

Museums in Porto
Within and around Porto, there are several museums to visit. The most important are: the Museum Soares dos Reis, with a collection of fine art and contemporary paintings, the Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro, the Museu de Etnografia e História, where you can learn about the life and customs of the city and the Museu Romântico, once the home of King Carlo Alberto of Sardinia. In the Museu do Carro Eléctrico you will find information about the city’s original transport system with a collection of old trams. If you are interested in fine arts and culture, the Fundação de Serralves is ideal due to its exhibitions.

Shrine of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
After climbing the 686 steps of its imposing Baroque staircase, you will find this Shrine, built in the Rocaille style in the mid-18th Century. It was finish in 1905. The ceilings and some of the works that decorate the Church were designed by Nicolau Nasoni. Here you will find an amazing granite fountain, some interesting sculptures throughout its staircase, the Pelican fountain, a small chapel on the way to the shrine, a 22-meter high obelisk and then, the shrine, dedicated to the patron saint.

Porto’s Bridges
The city is also known as a “City of Brigdes”. The main bridges are: Ponte Pênsil, Ponte Maria Pia, Ponte D. Luís I and Ponte de S. João. The suspended Bridge Ponte Pênsil was built by the engineers Mellet and Bigot. The bridge was opened in 1843. Maria Pia Bridge is the first piece of work by Gustave Eiffel and it was finished in 1877. This bridge was used during 114 years, until the S. João Bridge was built. D. Luís I Bridge was the project of engineer Teófilo Seyring and was opened in 1886. Edgar Cardoso was the responsible engineer for S. João Bridge, which was opened in 1991.

Palácio da Bolsa
The Stock-Exchange Palace is a national monument, built in Neo-Classical style during the second half of the 19th Century. It is located in the historical center of the city and it is a must for all visitors. One of its highlights is the renowned Arabian Hall.

S. João's National Theatre
S. João's National Theatre was opened in 1798. In 1908 the theater was totally destroyed by a fire, and was later reconstructed by the architect Marques da Silva. Today it is one of the most visited monuments of Porto and many of the biggest cultural events take place here.

Casa da Música
The House of Music is an amazing polyhedron-shaped building, work of the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. It is located between the historical center of the city and the business area of Boavista. The House has all the infrastructure and technical means to produce different music performances as well as other events.

Historic Buildings and Palaces in Porto
Among the interesting and historic palaces in Porto, you will find the S. João Novo Palace and the Freixo Palace. The first one, built in the 18th Century in Baroque style, occupies an area of difficult implantation. The main façade is located on an irregular ground, descending form East to West. An impressive staircase in the center of the palace, its arches, the amazing three main rooms and all the aspects of this building make it a must to be visited.

The Freixo Palace, ornamented with pyramids, with imposing staircases, a noble crown (symbol of one of the families that inhabited it) and its balconies is also a must to learn more about the history of this city.

The most visited buildings are the Bishop’s Palace (built in the 13th Century and an icon of the city), the Medieval Tower (also called City Tower, located near the ruins of the old Town Hall), the Civil Government Building (ex Casa Pia), the English Factory, the Serralves House (a work of “ Art Deco” style, a unique example of the national urbanism) and the Arch of Sant’Ana (one of the first four fortresses of the old Episcopal Porto borough).