A Cultural Capital Of Creativity And Contrasts

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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With historic references that date back to the 4th Century, Porto boasts a rich heritage that suffuses its every winding lane, Baroque church and ancient plaza. Famed for its fortified wine production, it is the second biggest city and the country''s namesake. Yet, whilst it may take credit for having put the very ''Porto'' into Portugal, over the last few decades it has been somewhat overshadowed by its perhaps rather more impressive and illustrious big sister of Lisbon.

Nevertheless, thanks to its shared status as European Capital of Culture in 2001 that marked something of a social and cultural renaissance, Porto is on the up. Nowadays, the city boasts and impressive cultural scene of its own and Porto makes a good argument for the nation''s beating heart.

Amidst the ancient remnants of the city''s walls, Porto''s central historic area, the Ribeira, is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site of intriguing medieval passages, secret staircases, Roman ruins and crumbling 15th Century town houses. Architectural highlights include the Oporto Cathedral, one of Porto''s oldest-surviving buildings, and the Romanesque ...
... and Gothic gems of the Church of Cedofeita and Igreja de Sao Francisco.

The centre itself is an assortment of intriguing medieval passages, secret staircases, and a plethora of churches that embody any architectural era from the gothic to the romantic. Interestingly, visitors will find that whilst many of the original 14th Century town houses are at risk of collapsing, there are some that have been very carefully preserved, the most notable of which is the beautifully renovated Casa do Infante, a 1394 customs house.

Porto is a city built a top of granite slopes, and its weaving hillside roads not only characterise the city, they also afford some marvellous vistas. Head for the imposing Hilltop Cathedral, originally founded in the 12th Century, but later rebuilt in the 18th, or the verdant Jardim do Palacio de Cristal, complete with domed sports pavilion, for wonderful river views.

In terms of contemporary architecture, however, it is undoubtedly the latest striking additions of Ren Koolhass''s Casa de Musica and ?lvaro Siza Vieira''s Museu de Arte Contempor?nea that add a striking note to the city''s skyscape. Commissioned in honour of Porto''s shared status of European Capital of Culture in 2001, Koolhaas''s spectacular concert hall in particular marks the movement away from the traditional.

Beyond the city, excursions out to the coast and surrounding ports offer a chance to see attractive working fishing villages that afford picturesque views and excellent seafood. Head for Afurada, at the mouth of the river Douro, for a glimpse of traditional Portuguese life complete with quaint azulejo- decked houses and cafes serving fish stew.

Whilst development in the last few decades have resulted in several uninspiring hotel developments, the city''s wealth of historical architecture means there are plenty of elegant accommodation options to be found at reasonable prices. Indeed, behind 19th Century and Beaux-Arts facades, you are sure to find numerous hotels that deliver impeccable service at excellent value. Bonny Kominek is a freelance travel writer who specialises in providing information on European cities, they also advise that you go to Octopustravel.com where you can find a range of hotels to suit your budget including Porto hotels.