Porto History, Portugal

Porto History began during the Roman times in the 4th century when the first information about the place was known. It was called “Portu Cale” during that time and it was considered a significant port between Braga and Lisbon. Below are other significant events in Porto’s past and present.

Porto History – The Arabs and Other Invasions in the 8th Century

The members of the nomadic Arab people plagued and destroyed the city together with the Iberian Peninsula during the 8th century. Vimara Peres, a slave to King Alfonso III of Asturias, was commanded to seize the city for the second time. This enabled the Moors to rule over the city for about a century from 711 to 868.

Porto History – From the 12th to the 14th Century

In the 12th century, Bishop Hugo has received a donation of a town from Queen Donha Teresa. This period marked the renovation of the city. A cathedral was built in between the rivers of Duoro and Villa. This is also the time when the city was known as Porto.

During the 14th century, the father of Henrique the Navigator, Mestre de Aviz, also known as the 2nd dynasty's first king, was supported by the city. This is the reason why Porto played a vital role in achieving the independence of Portugal. In the same century, the historical friendship of Portugal with England was reignited by the wedding of Joao I and Philipa Lancaster.

Porto History – From the 16th to the 18th Century

For about 60 years (from 1580 to 1640), Spanish groups conquered the city. Even with this invasion, an advantage was brought to the city since urban development as well as political growth was seen. It also paved the way for the arts to be recognized in the area.

Methuen Treaty was signed in 1703 which formed commercial relation rules between Portugal and England. This paved the entry of woolen cloth in Portugal without any custom duties imposed. This treaty developed the city's very own wine industry. The Portuguese wine was allowed to enter England and firms from England were encouraged to invest in Porto. This made England benefit from the developing industry of winery.

After the invasion of the Spanish troops, Napoleon's French troops conquered the city. This particular event took place in 1809. Almost 6000 people crossed the Douro River through a floating bridge. Unluckily, the bridge collapsed because the weight of the people crossing exceeded its capacity.

The population successfully conquered the lengthy stay of the military operation by the royalist forces in 1832. The city ably defended the Constitutional Chart. This notable act was considered by King Pedro IV as a noble act of the people.

The traces of Porto History left a lot of teachings to the entire community and country. Its great participation in Portugal’s independence made it recognized as a vital part of the nation. More information may be tracked through Valladolid Travel Guide and Vigo Travel Guide.

email to a friendAsk our travel experts a question about Porto
ask now

Things about Porto you may be interested in

Be the first who requests a site listing for this page.

 

+ list your site

 

ReviewsTravel TipsWrite a reviewWrite a travel tip

 

 

Read our members' reviews about Porto

No reviews have been added yet for this category. Be the first to add a new one.

 

Read our members' travel tips about Porto

No travel tips have been added yet for this category. Be the first to add a new one.

 

 

Community

Members Who Have Been to Porto

See who has been to Porto and ask them a question (membership required)

Leila ask a question add to friends

Beata ask a question add to friends

mjensen110 ask a question add to friends

SADRU2009 ask a question add to friends

 

show all

 

Community Galleries About Porto

Browse our members' Porto galleries to get a better impression of the place

view gallery

view gallery

view gallery

 

show alladd gallery

 

 

the best travel deals provided by TravelZoo...