Porto history

Porto's history goes back to pre-Roman, Celtic times, and it was during the Middle Ages that it developed into one of Portugal's most important trading cities. It was in the 18th century that Porto became an important link between the Douro Valley wine producers and wine importing countries like England. Production of port wine became big business, and the wine was transported on rabelos (traditional flat bottom boats) down the river to Porto where it was kept in large warehouses by the riverfront in Vila Nova di Gaia, the city opposite Porto on the south side of the river. From there the wine was shipped out to buyers in other European countries and, increasingly, the rest of the world.

Porto has broadened its commercial base considerably since then, but it remains Portugal's most important trading city. With strong links to the rest of the world it is aself-confident and very independent city with a will of its own. Its independent-mindedness has come to expression both militarily and politically over the centuries, and Porto is often referred to as the Cidade Invicta (the unvanquished city) since it has never been conquered militarily either by the Romans, the Moors or the French Napoleonic armies.