Porto
The capital of North Portugal, Porto, is famous for Port wine, and as one of
the host cities of the 2004 UEFA European Cup. The historic city has a variety of galleries and museums to
tantalize art fans.
The city is actually Oporto, however most readily use the name Porto when speaking of this beautiful harbor front.
Its origins began as a Roman fort, necessary for its locale next to the Douro or Golden River, an
integral part of the trading route.
The fiercely proud Northerners are aware that the former Kingdom of Portugal was born here in 1143.
One of the best ways to see this city is to walk through its ancient streets and view the sites.
Architecture
The Cathedral, or Sé, was a 12th Century fortress which was also used for
religious purposes. It's elevated position, atop Penaventosa Hill, provides a
beautiful panorama of Porto from the terrace or Terreiro da Sé.
The west front contains a rose window that dates from the 13th Century. Many modifications during its years means it can be
described in multiple styles, including Romanesque and Gothic.
In the 18th Century Niccolò Nasoni added a staircase which lead to the Se's azulejo panels
Native to Portugal is the art of azulejo or painted tiles. Azulejo is from the Arabic word for "small polished stone."
The Sé has several of these panels, Visitors should seek out the azulejo depicting the life of the Madonna and also Ovid's
Metamorphosis. Don't miss the chapel of Santíssimo Sacramento.
São Francisco, located on the Rua da Bolsa, dates from the 14th Century,
however it is the glorious 18th Century interior that bedazzles the visitor in its golden glory.
The interior is comprised of well over 450 lb (200 kg) of gold along the high altar, columns and pillars.
The north wall contains the Tree of Jesse, the genealogy of Christ. Joseph, has his lineage traced to King David's father,
Jesse of Bethlehem. Filipe da Silva and Antonió Gomes carved the Tree of Jesse from 1718 -1721.
Visitors should take the time to explore the São Francisco catacombs
Art and Artists
The city became a Mecca, both for homegrown talent and other artists drawn to the beauty and talent of the artistic Portugal.
António Soares dos Reis (1847 - 1889) has a magnificent contemporary art museum named for him in Porto that houses a
collection of his works. A highlight is his marble sculpture The Exile, 1874. Many of the works reflect the Porto
school of Naturalism. The Museu Soares dos Reis is located on Rua Don Manuel II in the Carrancas Palace.
The museum focuses primarily on Portuguese artists.
Artur Loureiro (1853-1939), a Porto native and member of the Naturalism School, was a noted landscape artist with a flair for detail.
Casa da Misericórdia on Rua das Flores was once a hospice. It houses one of the
most famous works in Porto. Fons Vitae (Fountain of Life) is a Flemish work that was originally from the
collection of King Carlos Alberto of Sardinia.
It is rumored to be painted by Holbein or perhaps by Van der Weyden. Manual I
donated the painting that depicts the King's family kneeling before Christ at
his crucifixion. The grandiose painting measures 2.65 m x 2.10 m.
Fundação Serralves Porto's Contemporary Art Gallery was designed by Álvaro Siza
Vieira and is located in the Quinta de Serralves surrounded by gorgeous landscape.
Just a hint of the many interesting aspects of Porto!
After a long day walking through the streets enjoying art and architecture there are many restaurants and
cafes who will be happy to serve a glass of delicious Port wine to weary travelers.
Port wine is transported across the River using Rabelo Boats.
Enjoy the sights and cuisine of this delightful city in the North of Portugal.
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