City of Porto

In Europe’s westernmost country, between the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and the slopes of the river Douro, lies the city which gave its name to the University of Porto, the country’s second largest city and its traditional economic and industrial heart. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe and the second largest city of Portugal. Also known as the city of bridges, Luís I bridge is the most famous of all, built between 1881 and 1886 by Teófilo Seyrig, colleague of Gustave Eiffel. In December 1996, UNESCO classified the city of Porto as Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The richness of its monumental and artistic patrimony, the Port Wine cellars, the many spots dedicated to leisure and culture are only some of the reasons to visit Porto.

Porto is a world renowned tourist destination, famous for its Historical Centre, the richness of its gastronomy, the hospitality of its people and, obviously, by the world famous Port Wine. Full of green areas and sports venues, with a revitalized public transport network and the culture and nightlife one might expect from a region of 70,000 undergraduates, Porto is a city which opens its arms to students, particularly to international students.

Discovering the city of Porto is the source of many surprises. Those who visit Porto can find traces of medieval times; several masterpieces of Romanic and Baroque styles; neogothic and neoclassical buildings; the riverside houses which gave the city the title of World Heritage Site; some of the best contemporary architecture; as well as bridges linking the banks of the monumental Douro River. But the city of Porto is primarily known for the warm way it welcomes those who come over to visit, leaving a hint of nostalgia when it's time to say farewell.