Oporto

Porto, also known as Oporto in English, is a coastal city in northwest Portugal, located along the Douro River estuary facing the Atlantic Ocean. It is the seat of the Norte region and Porto District. The municipality has about 214,000 inhabitants, while the metropolitan area is home to more than 1.7 million.

Porto's origins lie in the ancient settlement of Portus Cale, and it emerged as a key commercial and maritime hub in the Middle Ages. The city became a major center for the wine trade, notably the export of fortified Port wine to England; this exchange shaped its economic development and urban growth. The historic core, especially the Ribeira district, is characterized by narrow streets and riverside houses.

Notable landmarks include the Dom Luís I Bridge, a metal arch bridge linking Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia; the Porto Cathedral (Se do Porto); the Clérigos Church and its bell tower; and the São Bento railway station decorated with azulejos. The medieval Ribeira district is a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the nearby bridges and waterfront.

Porto is renowned for its port wine houses in Vila Nova de Gaia, where wine is aged and shipped worldwide. The city hosts the University of Porto, one of Portugal's leading universities, and a growing tech and service sector. Tourism focuses on its history, architecture, and riverfront.

Porto has a temperate maritime climate with mild, wet winters and warm summers. The city is connected by Porto's international airport and a network of rail and metro lines. Its historic centre was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.