ASSESSMENT TASK 2 - Report on a visit to Porto city

I had the possibility to visit Porto, one of the ancient European cities. The most significant aspects of Porto besides its historical centre are its landscape, combining harmony with the urban structure and presenting a frame of rare beauty. When discovering Porto, I found many charming surprises. In addition to its welcoming and conservative environment, Porto is also contemporary and artistic. This is shown not only in the streets, architecture, monuments and museums, but also in terraces, restaurants and leisure or shopping areas.

As it is said in one of the Portuguese sayings, Porto is known as the city of work. Actually, its residents have always been in the front line to defend national causes and greatly contributed to the Discoveries. The roughness of hard work, however, is counterbalance by the sincere and warm spirit of its people. The vitality of Porto population reveals their passion for simple things, which gives them an authentic and respectable image.

The downtown is full of stunning buildings, where many of them have faded look, which paradoxically makes them even more beautiful. Particularly dominant characteristic is the use of coloured tiles - azulejos.

Vila Nova de Gaia, is the city opposite to Porto on the south side of the river Douro, where the production of port wine became a big business. From there, the wine was shipped out to buyers in European countries and, increasingly, to the rest of the world. In front of Gaia, right by the river, there is Ribeira, one of the most beautiful places in Porto. With its narrow and windy streets, shady arcades, typical houses with colourful facades, it preserves the charm of the history. At night, the Ribeira is full sound and animation, with numerous pleasant restaurants, esplanades, bars and nightclubs.

Since Portugal is known as a country surrounded by water, Porto as well has beautiful beaches. Matosinhos is one of the areas with amazing coastline, seafood, surfing schools and some monuments, such as Monastery of Leca do Balio.

To visit Porto you need at least one week, some days are obviously not enough to get the feeling of the real life in this famous city.

Judita