Cities of River, Porto

The strategic location of this Portuguese city which was built over the Douro River helped its development. Porto, which means ‘port’ in Portuguese, had played a significant role in trade. In the 14th century, the close relationship between the Portuguese and the British royal families was strengthened by a marriage that led to a military alliance. In the 18th century, the United Kingdom sought to monopolise the wine production in Porto after a disagreement with France. Perhaps winemaking turned Porto into a city ruled by the bourgeoisie rather than the aristocracy. The most beautiful part of the city is the old town on the esplanade: Riberia. Over the river, you will see the famous bridge added into the silhouette of the city by Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The old town Oporto which was built 2000 years ago is under the protection of UNESCO. It will enchant you with its narrow streets, its buildings with ceramic facades which rise as if to touch each other, its cafes and gothic churches. The colours of the late afternoons when we ended our evening walks at the riverside are still etched in our memories.