Porto Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Porto

After 711 Porto fell to Moorish invaders. The Muslim control existed in the Iberian peninsula until 1491. However, the conquest was not total and in 868 things began to change for the people of Porto.

Vimara Peres, an Asturian count of Gallaecia, came to reconquer for the Christians. He secured the town of Portu Cale and the land of Vila Nova de Gaia. Vimara became the Count of Portucale. From Portucale eventually came the name Portugal.

Fast forward to 1387. King John I of Portugal marries Philippa of Lancaster. The marriage cemented the new alliance between England and Portugal. The alliance is memorialized in Porto's grand boulevard, Avenue of the Allies.

Fast forward again. In 1812 French troops under Marshal Soult attacked the city. Thousands of citizens drowned in the River Douro as they tried to flee. The invaders were uprooted in turn by Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, using wine barges of troops to outflank the French.

Things are much calmer these days. Cross over the steel double-decker Dom Luis Bridge from Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia for some wine. Take a cable car ride to Serra Pilar Viewpoint. Ride the funicular from Ribera up to Batalha. See the Stock Exchange Palace's Arabian Room.

Visit the Fortress-like Porto Cathedral. The Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque Cathedral was the venue for the marriage of John and Philippa. See the Church of Souls. Enjoy the sumptuous and welcoming Cafe Majestic on the Avenue of the Allies.

Historic Porto has more, old and new, patiently waiting. Climb the Tower of the Clergymen. See it all at sunset.