About Porto in Portugal

Lying on the north bank of the Douro River in northwestern Portugal, Porto is the second largest city in the country, after Lisbon. Nowadays, It is a center of commerce, industry and culture of the region. It is also an important Atlantic port for its export of famous port wine. Porto has a typical mediterranean climate, with mild dry summers, and moderate rainy winters. The city of Porto has a population of around 270,000 residents.

Porto is an old city rich in culture heritage and churches, museums, as well as monuments. The city of Porto was nominated "European City of Culture for 2001". The Historic Centre of Porto was classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. Built in the 12th century, the Cathedral is a good example of architecture in the Roman style. S. Francisco Church is one of the few medieval buildings left in Porto. The Clergymen Church and Tower in Baroque style is the city's most notable landmark. Carmo Church presents an amazing panel of tiles on the surface of wall. The Port Wine Museum is housed in an 18th century warehouse, in which the port wines were formerly stored. The Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis is the first art museum in Portugal. The Benefactor's Gallery is housed in Misericordia Museum. Other tourist attractions include Cedofeita Church, Lapa Church, S. Bento Station, House of the Prince and Ribeira.