Porto
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, the capital. Abroad it is most famous for the port wine, which is produced in the valley of the Douro river from grapes grown in the Douro region.
Its history dates back to Roman times, when Portus Cale was a Roman outpost at the Douro estuary. During the Reconquista, the region between the rivers Douro and Minho (still the frontier river between Portugal and Spain) became the County of Portucale, giving its name later to the entire country.
The historic centre of Porto was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.
Starting the Camino in Porto
Porto is one of the starting points of the Camino Portugués.
If you arrive at the Aeroporto Sá Carneiro, the purple underground line E will take you straight to the city centre in about 20 minutes (you'll need to buy a Z4 ticket).
International trains arrive at the Campanhã station, which is served by four different underground lines (all of which share a common track through central Porto).
You can get your credencial and the first stamp in the Sé from 9 AM on weekdays. Right in front of the Sé you will notice the first yellow arrows leading down the stairs, towards the Torre dos Clérigos.
Some choose to ride the underground to Araújo, Maia or Vilar do Pinheiro to avoid the roads leading out of Porto and start walking from there, although the hardest part of first day's walking comes after Vilar.
Where to sleep
| Name | Price | Type | Amenities | Open | Pilgrims' rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associação Humanitária dos Bombeiros Voluntários |
|
|
JFMAMJJASOND | ||
| Pousada de Juventude | € 16 |
|
JFMAMJJASOND |
What to see
Sé
Built in the 12th century, the Cathedral of Porto is still one of Portugal's most important Romanesque monuments. It underwent alterations in the 18th century, which included the addition of a loggia on the lateral façade. The Gothic cloister is decorated with azulejos.
Torre dos Clérigos
The 18th century tower of the Igreja dos Clérigos (Church of the Clerics) is one of the Porto's landmarks. Those who choose to climb the 225 steps are rewarded by great views of the old town and the river Douro.
Estação de São Bento
Located only a hundred metres north of the Sé, this railway station was built in the beginning of the 20th century on the site of a former convent, from which it took its name (Saint Benedict). Its vestibule is covered with some 20,000 azulejos depicting various historical moments.
Igreja de São Francisco
Used to be the church of the Franciscan order in Porto, but no longer functions as such as it has been turned into a museum. The interior is all beautiful gilt woodwork, and features an interesting representation of the family tree of Jesus. The catacombs can also be visited.
Palácio da Bolsa
The Stock Exchange Palace was built on the ruins of the cloister of the adjoining Igreja de São Francisco, after it was destroyed by a fire in 1832 during the Civil War. Its interior highlights (Hall of Nations, Arabian Room, Tribunal Room, Assembly Room) have been decorated by various artist.
Ponte Dom Luís I
A double-deck arch bridge over the river Douro, inaugurated in 1886. Its upper deck connects the old town with Vila Nova de Gaia, and the lower links the Ribeira, the area of many bars, cafés, restaurants and colourful houses on the Douro riverfront, with the famous wine cellars on the opposite bank.
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