Description
Second most important port in Portugal, located in the north of the country, on the banks of the Douro River, world-renowned as a center for the production and export of Port Wine.
Year of Foundation or Oldest Source
Pre-Roman and Roman origins (Portus Cale, which gave Portugal its name). Recognized importance in the Middle Ages.
Country (State or Region)
Portugal
Location
Porto, at the mouth of the Douro River.
Structuring
River port. 16th-century documentation indicates the existence and evolution of navigation support structures such as quays and docks. The steep riverside topography influenced urban and port development.
Notes
Main center for the export of Port Wine, especially from the 18th century onwards, with a strong presence of British merchants. Maintained a diversified maritime trade, although subordinate to Lisbon during the colonial monopoly period. The liberalization of trade with the colonies after 1570 impacted its dynamics. Had shipyards and an active maritime community.
Sources
BARROS, Amândio Morais. A actividade marítima do Porto no século XVI. [s.d.].; HONORATO, Cezar; SITJA, Lúcia (Org.). Histórias de espaços portuários. Salvador: EDUFBA, 2020.; O'FLANAGAN, Patrick. Port cities of Atlantic Iberia, c. 1500-1900. London: Routledge, 2008.; UNIVERSIDADE DO PORTO. Faculdade de Letras. [Documento AHMP].
