PORTO
::: introduction :::
the city porto, second-largest one of portugal, is located at the river douro, which ends there in the atlantic ocean. porto is settled for around 3000 years. Its population is just 250000.
in porto's center, located on both sides of the douro, is a very large steel bridge over the river.
::: early history :::
/// the "gallaeci", a celtic tribe, settled in the area since about 1000 b.c.
/// phoenician trading took place in the 8th century b.c.
/// in times of the roman empire, porto became an important harbour
/// the umayyad muslims occupied porto in 714, for just a few decades
/// since 741 porto is a christian place, important as that ever since
::: city views :::
here are three big items: the mighty town hall, the original cathedral, and the very 'blue' church.
porto is famous for blue tiles, used in any kind of architecture, and in many sizes.
actually porto's historic area, highly esteemed by all visitors, was in 1996 declared a "world heritage site" by the unesco.
::: wind-up :::
so far the focus was on architecture - but there is another matter which may even be more known - - the unique wine called "port" wine! this wine is made since 1756!
they are high quality fortified wines, generally slightly sweet red wines. and they are stored in cellars in special wooden barrows.
my resumee regarding porto is simple: no question that this city is unique and truly outstanding!
