UNESCO World Cultural Heritage - Treasures for Eternity

Continuation of the series: UNESCO World Cultural Heritage – Treasures for Eternity

Porto

by Marion Schmidt | SR | arte | 2026

 
Porto was already an important port and trading city in Roman times. Today, Portugal’s second-largest city is regarded above all as a cool blend of pomp and pop culture, of tradition and innovation. In designating it a World Heritage Site, UNESCO particularly highlighted the harmonious cityscape, in which various historical periods have left their distinctive marks. These include the imposing religious buildings, some with opulent interiors covered with gold leaf, as well as the neoclassical Stock Exchange Palace, the iconic steel bridge reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the São Bento railway station with its approximately 20.000 Azulejo tiles, the narrow and colourful houses lining the river, and even the world-famous port wine cellars on the opposite bank.