News

Miragaia Legend – Porto Legends
12 November, 2019 / , ,

Ramiro, the Christian King, attacked the Moorish fortress to rescue his wife, Queen Gaia, who had been kidnapped by Alboazar. On his return, Ramiro asked her why she was crying. Gaia, while looking at the ruins of the Alboazar’s castle, replies that she was truly happy there. Enraged, the king said to her: “Then look, Gaia (“mira, Gaia”), look closely because it is the last thing you will ever see”. And he killed her. That is where the name of the neighbourhood of Miragaia comes from.

Find out more about this and other legends of Porto’s history in the show Porto Legends.

Campanhã Railway Station
7 November, 2019 / ,

“El silbido de los trenes, su traqueteo sobre el puente más allá del monte fronterizo, le decía las horas, le delataba la dirección del viento y el tiempo previsto para mañana”. Es así como nuestra Agustina se refiere a ese pulsante ruido cuando el tren rasga la ciudad. Es la paz pobre que se vivía en el fin de siglo. Estancadas las heridas de la nación, degradada por sucesivas guerras civiles, la modernización era el designio y el ferrocarril uno de sus principales símbolos.

La Estação de Campanhã se inauguró el 5 de Noviembre de 1877, junto con el Puente María Pía. Era el resultado de una serie de obras donde había estado la antigua Quinta do Pinheiro. Fue uno de los motores del éxodo rural, con el foco en Campanhã, de una enorme cantidad de gente proveniente del interior del país y que iría a poblar el municipio.

Del tren al autobús, del autobús al metro, la Estação de Campanhã encuentra el futuro de la intermodalidad en un Oporto que se va transformando en una ciudad inteligente. De diseño neoclásico, sujeto a cambios a lo largo del siglo XX, culminando en la terminal actual, que supera en mucho la superficie de la vieja estación, en esta tranquila convivencia entre lo nuevo y lo viejo, marca cada vez más firme de la ciudad invicta.  Y aquí nos encontramos reviviendo las palabras de Ramalho: “finalmente nos bajamos en la Estación de Campaña”.

Parade of the paper costumes is back to Foz do Douro
7 August, 2019 / , ,

Almost two thousand years ago, Saint Bartholomew died skinned in Turkey andnowadays he inspires a curious festivitycelebrated anually, in August, in the city of Porto.
The celebrations of Saint Bartholomew are one of the most anticipated events in the city, with gastronomic activites, animation and musical shows guaranteed until the beggining of September.
The tradition dates back to the 16th century, when local populations used to bath in the expectation of curing diseases such as stuttering, gout or epilepsy.
Oficially, the celebrations of Saint Bartholomew exist since the 19th century.

The festivities in honour of Saint Bartholomew have as a high point the Court of the Paper Costume. With a lot of work and months of preparation, colored paper sheets turn into authentic costumes and props that fill the streets of Porto with colour and happiness.
The parade finishes, as usual, with a dip in the waters of the Atlantic. The tradition dictates that the rictual “holy bath” should always include seven dives.

Only then will the participants be able to thank Saint Bartholomew for his favors and expect ample healing and protection benefits provided by the saint for the following year.
The parade will take place on the 25th of August and the theme of the Union of Parishes of Aldoar, Foz do Douro e Nevogilde will be a tribute to Sophiade Mello Breyner Andresen in her Centenary.
This is one of the most original events in the city and in the country, and a unique tradition in the world that, year after year, attracts a growing number of participants, both national and international.


Miguel Veiga – An illustrious portuense
29 June, 2019 / , ,

Miguel Luís Kolback da Veiga was born in Oporto on June 30th, 1936, where he died on November 14th, 2016.

An illustrious portuense lawyer, Miguel Veiga was famous for his careful, almost literary production of his procedural pieces and for the brilliant way he presented himself in court.

From early on, he integrated academic movements of opposition to the regime of Salazar, which prevented him years later to be admitted as a university professor.

After the April revolution, in May 1974, he was responsible, alongside with Francisco Sá Carneiro, Magalhaes Mota and Francisco Pinto Balsemão, for the founding of the Popular Democratic Party, now Social Democratic Party, of which he was a member until his death and one of its most brilliant members, even when in order to disagree directly with the course followed. Therefore, against the indications of his party, he was a supporter of Mário Soares in his first candidacy for President of the Republic and, more recently, Rui Moreira, current mayor of Porto.

Although requested to do so, he never exercised governmental functions. He said, in response to invitations received, “not wanting to lose his freedom or leave Oporto,” city of his passion.

Alongside his work, civic and political intervention of high level, Miguel Veiga was still a lover of the arts, from literature to painting, from cinema to sculpture, collecting contributions that often illustrated his public interventions.

The name of Miguel Veiga is important to the history of portuguese democracy, for the search and affirmation of the values ​​of freedom and justice, for the frontality, independence and firmness of character that is so much a part of the good men of Oporto.

Miguel Veiga was also the author of several legal and cultural essays, and a voice present in the written press where throughout his life he collaborated.

He is Grand Officer of the Order of Liberty and received the Medal of Honor from the City, the highest distinction of Porto.

Multi-sport offer in the most eclectic of clubs
1 April, 2019 / ,

An eclectic club that represents Porto and Portugal with 115 years of history and much more to honor its past.

When in 1904, José Marques Barbosa and José Meirelles, two young rowers founded a club, they never imagined that past all these years the centenary Sport Club of Porto would become one of the most eclectic national emblems, with sporting facilities on both embankments of the Douro river.

It’s this territorial dispersion and equipment, combined with the wide range of modalities – handball, bodybuilding, dance, adapted sports, motor sport, fencing, fitness, football, gymnastics, dumbbells, horseback riding, field hockey, rugby , paddle tennis, figure skating, tennis, sailing and volleyball – which make Sport a unique case in the world of sport, but also in terms of promoting tourism.

From the Freixo Marina to the Centro de Vela, in Leça da Palmeira, from the Centro de Remo in Gaia to the Equestrian Center in Prelada, there is no lack of choice ​​for those who seek in this metropolitan area much more than the usual tourist itineraries, which complemented by the its wide range of sporting facilities in the City Park, makes our club a ‘host’ of excellence, with unparalleled equipment on such a large scale in all these municipalities where it is distributed: Gaia, Matosinhos and Porto.

All this high level structure implies an unparalleled 115-year sporting history, translated into many national titles in the most diverse modalities and constant presence of some of our most brilliant athletes in European Championships, World Cups, World Championships and Olympic Games.

Among the many names that have passed through Sport, we remember with pride the filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira who long before being an inescapable personality of the world of cinema was also a Sport athlete in many modalities. In addition to being triple pole vault champion and racing driver, together with his brother Casimiro they took part in our first circus company.

Sport has played an unparalleled role in the formation of successive generations of young people who inhabit this metropolitan area or who at some point in their academic life have also passed through Porto.

Exhibition Escher in Alfandega
29 March, 2019 / , , ,

Hey Porto spoke with Frederico Guidiceandrea, onde of the exhibition curators and a major expert on M.C. Escher’s work

– What can people expect from this exhibition in Porto?

The exhibition covers the entire artistic career of MC Escher, starting from the early works that reflect the influence of his teacher, Jesserun de Mesquita, a major exponent of the art nouveau in the Netherlands. An important space is dedicated to the italian period, the nocturnal images of Rome, the southern Italian landscapes and studies of nature.

In the following sections the most famous works are represented: the tessellations, the impossible buildings, ribbons, regular solids, reflecting surfaces and metamorphosis. The exhibition continues with occasional works that MC Escher created on commission such as bookplates, greeting cards, postage stamps and more.

The exhibition closes with a large space devoted to the Eschermania. Here, evidence of the influence of MC Escher on the iconography of the 20th and 21st century. Book covers, psychedelic posters, LP covers, comics, magazines, videoclips and works of contemporary artists who were inspired by MC Escher.

Throughout the exhibition a series of experiential games leads the visitor into the world of MC Escher. They experience the paradoxes of perception encoded by the laws of Gestalt and  physically enter into some of MC Escher’s works.

– How would you define Escher’s art?

The art of MC Escher can be interpreted in layers. At first wonder prevails, then if you look deeper you will discover more and more details: paradoxes of perception, mathematical structures, references to the Italian landscape and to the great artists of the past. Every time I set up an exhibition, even having seen the works hundreds of times, I always discover something new.

– Which are his main references?

The main influence especially in his early work is certainly to be found in the art of his master, Jesserun de Mesquita, who was an important exponent of the Dutch Art Noveau. Later in Italy he came into contact with exponents of Futurism, in particular with the art movement called ‘Areopittura’ who loved to depict scenes and landscapes from above with an unusual use of perspective. In the later works the greatest influence came from the contacts with the world of mathematics, especially the correspondence with important mathematicians such Roger Penrose or Harlod Coxeter were the basis of many of the iconic works.

– Escher is intriguing, disturbing, disconcerting, a true genious. Do you agree?

Yes, his work captures many of the trends in the technological society. Modern scientific theories such as the theory of relativity and quantum physics have profoundly changed the way we see the world. The world is not as it appears, on a very large or very small scale it can be very counter-intuitive and paradoxical. MC Escher, through his tessellations and impossible structures, opens a window that allows us to grasp the complexity of the world.

 

 

 

Porto always celebrating
18 February, 2019 / ,

Tiago Pinto Leite is a 50-year-old entrepreneur with a 30-year curriculum in catering, bars and nightclubs. Opened spaces such as Voice Club, Twins foz, River Café, Chic and Stox Club. Having collaborated in the creation of Industria Club, Estado Novo, Praia da Luz and Cais 447 and many more..

The city is today fertile ground for a night out .  In the center of Porto,there now exists a more diverse and vaster choice, vertualy door to door that grows in size from year to year. Here is my suggestion for an unforgettable evening.

If you have a late dinner reservation and would li9ke to enjoy a drink  before dinner, I advise you to start at the BASE. Overlooking the Clérigos Tower,  a space with gardens and terraces. Great atmosphere during the summer months.

Then dine. And here are two suggestions not too far from each other. The FLOW of Mediterranean cuisine with a beautiful and exotic decoration, with a beautiful outside patio, known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and wonderful food. Or the GOOD BAO, Thai food and great cocktails. Its decoration transports us to an oriental environment and known for its friendly service.. As they do not accept reservations, it is advisable to go early.

After dinner nothing like going to the Vogue Café, door to door with the beautiful Hotel Infante Sagres, a space full of charm, decorated by the respected decorator Paulo lobo.

To get in step for the night my suggestion is the HOUSE OF THE BOOK. One of the oldest bars in downtown Porto,  beautiful and cozy decoration. With a great atmosphere and live music most nights and Dj´s at the weekends. If you prefer Jazz or Blues my suggestion is the HOT FIVE JAZZ AND BLUES CLUB.

And to end  in great style go to  the Disco PLANO B – A space with a far-out deco, with two floors, two distinct areas with DJs, one more pop / rock / funky and  the for electronic music lovers. There are great names in Portuguese and international electronic music. It is perhaps the most frequented space by tourists!

 

At nights end grab a snack at one of  the many outdoor food stands, Have fun in the city and  remember that there is always more to discover.

 

 

“ESSÊNCIA DO VINHO” RETURNS
8 February, 2019 / ,

Created for the first time in 2004, ESSÊNCIA DO VINHO – PORTO is an organization of Essência do Vinho and Revista de Vinhos, in partnership with the Associação Comercial do Porto, which is held once again at the Palácio da Bolsa from 21st-24th February. The last edition of the event received over 20,000 visitors, 35% of which were foreigners.

Promoted since 2004, this event is considered as the main wine experience in Portugal, testing thousands of references from around the world and promoting a program that includes dozens of activities carefully planned to offer a unique experience to all who participate , from producers to professionals and consumers.

In this 16th edition, participants will be able to discover and be amazed by the possibility of tasting over more than 3,000 wines from 400 producers, from all Portuguese and international wine regions, in one of the highlights of the event that allows establishing or developing contacts with key players of the industry and know the backstage steps of production.

Four days dedicated to the knowledge and awakening of senses, with rare and exclusive labels presented by renowned experts invited to masterclasses, commented evidence, , the sharing of experiences and tasting of snacks, in a relaxed atmosphere.

Amongst the masterclasses and tastings  mentioned, the highlight being the “TOP 10 Portuguese Wines – Wine Magazine”, which will bring together a selection of the best wines by a prestigious international jury of the Wine Magazine in the Arab Hall of the Palace of the Stock Exchange. Composed of journalists, wine critics and sommeliers, the panel will choose the best white wines, the best red wines and the best fortified wines.

WINE ESSENCE – PORTO will be held from February 21st, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on the 22nd and 23rd from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on February 24th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in a joint organization by Essência do Vinho and Revista de Vinhos, in partnership with Associação Comercial do Porto. Tickets  for ESSÊNCIA DO VINHO – PORTO are now  available at www.essenciadovinhoporto.com/pt/informacoes-uteis.

The admission costs € 20 daily  and includes a Riedel tasting glass.

Tickets bought on site on the days of the event will cost € 25.

Sugestions by Luis Pedro Martins
4 February, 2019 / ,

Recently elected President of Turismo Porto e Norte, Luís Pedro Martins holds a degree in Equipment Design from ESAD and a postgraduate degree in Marketing Management from Porto Business School of the University of Porto.

 

Hey Porto is an essential publication for visitors to Porto. As the first newspaper for tourists  to  strategically pinpoint news, translating their texts, thus facilitating access to information.

I hope that they will soon expand the scope of action to the rest of the Northern region of Portugal. Having much to report and share due to the fact that we are talking about one of the   most beautiful regions of the country, with unique experiences, rich in gastronomy and wines, cultural heritage, traditions, nature and an extraordinarily welcoming people.

In response to the inquiry put  to me, it is difficult to choose just one restaurant in the city of Porto and considering my new functions, let me at least indicate some of the neighboring counties. It is important to mention that the North of Portugal has hundreds of good restaurants, proof of this are the many awards won by our restaurants and Chefs, including the prestigious award of Michelin Stars.

 

Restaurants

In Porto, for regional gastronomy, without a doubt the “Cozinha do Martrinho”. In another, more contemporary aspect, the “DOP”, the “Muda” o “Reitor” and the “Xico Quijo”.

In Vila Nova de Gaia the “Zé da Serra” and “Ar de Rio”, in the latter one can enjoy the best view of the city of Porto.

In Matosinhos, also for regional gastronomy, “O Gaveto” and “A Marisqueira de Matosinhos”, among dozens of other excellent restaurants of this county.

 

Bars

A casa do livro, Hot Five and o Fé

 

Locations

Serralves, Casa da Musica, Palácio da Bolsa, Torre dos Clérigos, Livraria Lello,,Sé Catedral ,Paço Episcopal, MMIPO, Look at Porto, Parque da Cidade, Ribeira, Rua das Flores , Pontão da Praia do Molhe, Forte de São João Baptista and the Passeio das Virtudes.

 

Hidden secrets

The Igreja de Santa Clara. At the moment it is undergoing restoration, but soon   tourists will be able to visit this fantastic treasure, still unknown even by many portuenses.

The view over the river from the Muralha Fernandina.