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In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of Porto, from its ancient origins to the most significant events that shaped both the city and the history of Portugal.

This is yet another article you can find in our “History and Monuments of Porto” section, where we detail the history of the monuments and the lives of the key figures who marked the city.

“Porto is not a place. It is a feeling.” – Agustina Bessa-Luís

 

Porto Before and During the Middle Ages

The first traces of the proto-historical settlement that gave rise to the city of Porto emerge on the hill of Sé or Penaventosa, with characteristics similar to other settlements in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. In the archaeological site (Rua de D. Hugo n.º 5), everyday objects and constructions dating back to the 4th and 3rd centuries BC were found, and nearby finds attest to an occupation that likely originated in the early centuries of the 1st millennium BC.

Centuries later, in the 1st century AD, the territory now known as Porto, called Cale, shows a significant level of Romanization, and the growing port activity likely reinforced the area as a catalyst for the regional economy, leading to the first references to Portucale. This would play a prominent role in the subsequent reorganization of the territory and would also be the city that gave rise to the name of Portugal.

After the establishment of the Kingdom of Portugal in the 14th century, the need for new city walls for the protection of homes and businesses against threats from land and sea became evident. The wall, initiated by D. Afonso IV, was only completed during the reign of D. Fernando I, hence the designation “Fernandina Wall.” This made the city militarily stronger and simultaneously provided accessibility for residents and visitors through a series of gates (the famous Porta do Olival, where the Café da Porta do Olival is located today) and posterns (the famous Postigo do Carvão), which were opened along its perimeter.

It was also during this century, amidst the crisis of 1383-1385, that King D. João I expressed special appreciation for Porto due to its collaboration in the victory in the war against Castile. Here he celebrated his marriage to D. Filipa de Lencastre, and it was in Porto that his fifth son, Infante D. Henrique, the most important Portuense of all time, was born and baptized. Born on March 4, 1394, he earned the nickname “the Navigator” for his dedication to overseas exploration, with the city of Porto and its shipyards playing a fundamental role in that effort.

Many historians suggest that it was from this time that the inhabitants of Porto began to be known as “Tripeiros,” due to their provision of meats for the ships while keeping the entrails for the local population. The people of Porto were accustomed to such practices, as a port city dedicated to maritime trade with Northern Europe, they were already supplying their sailors with the best resources available.

 

Porto After the Middle Ages – 19th Century

The 16th century marks a turning point in urban expansion, despite maintaining a certain rural character. The influx of vessels necessitated improvements in navigation support, and the commercial development and shipbuilding led to a demographic growth that surpassed the limits imposed by the city walls, resulting in an increasingly pronounced expansion beyond the walls.

The forts defending the entrance to the harbor and the city were improved, and a series of large green spaces designed for public enjoyment began, such as the Alameda da Cordoaria and the Calçada das Virtudes.

Between the 16th and 17th centuries, the foreign population began to make a visible impact on the city. The Flemish mixed with the Germans, concentrating more in Vila Nova; the French created temporary residences, even if for long periods; and the British established a stronger presence from the late 17th century onward, through their commercial houses and closely associated with the prosperity of the Port wine trade.

However, it was an Italian artist, Nicolau Nasoni (1691-1773), who arrived in 1725 and made a significant impact by designing various buildings in the city and the north of the country. This master of painting settled in Porto and soon began to develop architectural projects, dedicating himself in 1731 to the design of the church, tower, and infirmary of the Clerics, among other monuments such as the Palácio do Freixo, Quinta da Prelada, Casa da Bonjóia, the House of the Third Order of St. Francis, and the façade of the Church of Misericórdia, etc.

Invincible City of Porto: From the French Invasions to the Portuguese Civil War

The history of Porto, like many other European cities, intersects with the French Revolution (1789), which aimed to abolish the monarchy and establish a Republic. When Napoleon declared himself Emperor of France and imposed a continental blockade on British ships in 1806, the regent prince, D. João, attempted to delay the decision to honor the old alliance. However, when he decided to adhere to the blockade, Franco-Spanish troops commanded by Junot invaded Portugal. Meanwhile, the court had relocated to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Fun Fact: The city of Porto was never considered the capital of Portugal; other cities like Rio de Janeiro, Guimarães, Angra do Heroísmo, and Coimbra held that title.

During the French invasions, the most famous disaster in Porto’s history occurred: the collapse of the Ponte das Barcas on March 29, 1809. The story begins when troops led by General Soult arrived in Porto, defeating the militias defending the city and sacking it for three days. To prevent the enemy troops from crossing south, the population gathered on the northern side of the Ponte das Barcas in Ribeira, leading to the bridge’s collapse and the consequent death of hundreds.

The city was liberated with the help of the famous Englishman Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who commanded the final victory at Waterloo in 1815). On May 11, General Soult fled with his entire staff, leaving behind about 4,000 wounded.

In the years following the invasions, the city faced very difficult times marked by food shortages, increased begging, and banditry, fundamentally altering its way of life.

Influenced by the movements of the time, the Liberal Revolution of Porto took place on August 24, 1820 (hence the name Campo 24 de Agosto in that area of the city), which had significant repercussions for both Portuguese and Brazilian history.

Just six years later, with the death of the king in 1826, the issue of succession arose. The successor, D. Pedro, was Emperor of Brazil and received the crown of Portugal before abdicating in favor of his eldest daughter, Maria da Glória. In a bid for convergence, he agreed to marry his niece (not uncommon at the time). His brother Miguel agreed to this arrangement but, at the first opportunity, usurped power, restoring absolutism.

Thus began the “Miguelist Terror,” implementing persecutory and inquisitorial measures. One of the most famous episodes of this terror occurred in 1829 at Praça Nova (now Praça da Liberdade), where twelve liberals involved in the 1828 revolts in Porto and Aveiro were executed. Ten men were hanged on May 7, and two others were decapitated on October 9, with their heads displayed near their homes or in public places.

These events, along with D. Pedro’s abdication of the imperial crown of Brazil, necessitated his return to Portugal to restore the throne to his daughter, D. Maria II, leading to the Portuguese Civil War. From 1832 to 1834, primarily in the city of Porto, the “Siege of Porto” unfolded, devastating the city not only through constant bombardments but also due to adverse weather conditions and health crises, such as famine and cholera.

Despite the siege, the liberals emerged victorious, restoring the legitimate throne to D. Maria II and expelling D. Miguel from the country.

When we speak of the heart of the city of Porto, we refer to the current Praça da Liberdade (formerly known as Praça de D. Pedro), but this name carries a much deeper significance than merely being the center of Porto. Literally, the heart of D. Pedro lies in the city, in the Igreja da Lapa, within an urn kept in a mausoleum, locked away with five keys, one of which is held by the City Hall of Porto. It is common for the President of Brazil to visit Porto when in Portugal, given the city’s connection to the country.

There are indeed many more connections between D. Pedro, his daughter, and the city:

From Invicta to Present Day

After several tumultuous years, the city gradually progressed. In 1851, the first public gas lighting was introduced, spreading throughout the city four years later. Cafés became major centers for leisure, politics, and business, while industrialization arrived with steam engines.

The modernization of the city led to the idea of a large exhibition center, similar to the Crystal Palace in London. The revolution in transportation, marked by the construction of the D. Maria Pia Bridge in 1877, ensured a railway connection to the south. Shortly after, the Douro line was completed in 1887, just a year after the inauguration of the Luiz I Bridge.

All these developments led to the decline of ruralism and the emergence of new urban areas, particularly in Foz do Douro, which became a popular summer destination.

At the end of the 19th century, a significant event forever changed the history of Portugal and Porto. As interest in English football began to rise, the news of the “English Ultimatum” on January 11, 1890, which ended Portuguese ambitions in East Africa, created an anti-British sentiment. The humiliation of having to accept the withdrawal from African territories led to a climate of revolt, evident in cafés and the press.

A plan conceived by civilians, accelerated by military personnel in Porto and northern regions, led to the famous Republican Revolt of January 31, 1891, which still holds significance today. The expression “está aqui um 31” now means there’s a big problem or confusion.

Portugal would eventually establish a Republic twenty years later, on October 5, 1910. However, the First Portuguese Republic soon proved to be disappointing, marked by significant political instability, worsened by the First World War (1914-1918), and social and economic crises.

On May 28, 1926, a dictatorial regime emerged in Portugal, later evolving into the “Estado Novo” under António Oliveira Salazar. This regime nearly eradicated dissent in the city, violently repressing opposition through killings, imprisonments, deportations, and exiles. Even urban projects like the current City Hall were simplified, diminishing the city’s potential.

The peak of discontent came with General Humberto Delgado’s candidacy in the 1958 presidential elections, despite the regime’s manipulation of results. On May 14, 1958, the renowned “General Sem Medo” was greeted with a triumphant welcome by around 200,000 supporters in Porto, famously stating, “my heart will stay in Porto,” referring to the city’s connection with D. Pedro IV.

With the end of the dictatorship on April 25, 1974, the city regained its freedom!

Present Day

Today, Porto is a vibrant city, filled with both Portuguese and international residents, hosting a wide variety of events, including major festivals, conferences, and global sporting events, such as the UEFA Champions League Final in 2021. Much of what we enjoy today began on December 5, 1996, when Porto’s Historic Center, along with the Luiz I Bridge and the Monastery of Serra do Pilar, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With numerous accolades, including Best European City Destination in consecutive years, living in this city is a joy.

For these reasons and many more, we proudly say: we are from the Invicta City of Porto, and we are Tripeiros!

If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about the history of Porto, you can find additional information in our section on “History and Monuments of Porto.”