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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. A city of contrasting eras, its fresh energy can be felt in the many art galleries, lively bars and riverfront renewal projects that have burst onto the scene in the last 200 years. This is juxtaposed alongside an enduring legacy of Roman settlements and grand Parisian imitation that saw Porto''s central historic area, the Ribeira, become a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. 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''s flourishing cultural scene is embraced in its attitude towards gastronomy, which has seen the emergence of many fine restaurants and avant-garde eateries in the last two decades. For a taste of the ''real'' Portugal though, look for Tripas a Modo do Porto (a typical dish using tripe from which Portans acquired their nickname Tripeiros), which can still be found throughout the city''s dining establishments today. Of course, Porto is best known for its production of its dessert wine, which is still a thriving industry. You can see the wine making process first-hand with a trip to Barros, some of the oldest surviving cellars, or explore its influence on the city''s history at the Museu do Vinho. 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. Opt for a Douro river cruise for a glimpse of traditional Portuguese life amidst thriving towns and unspoilt coastline. Porto''s Mediterranean climate and coastal breeze makes it an ideal place to visit during the spring and summer when the days are dry and temperatures are warm. 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 sporting traditional facades to be found at reasonable prices.
Article Source: http://www.casinoarticlessite.com
Caron Kristan is a freelance travel writer who was inspired to write this article by Octopustravel.com where you can book many interesting Porto hotels.
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