Porto History dates back back to  4th century CE when it was a Roman colony. Known to the Romans as Portus Cale, the name transformed into Portugale over the years and was eventually taken as the name for the entire country when it declared itself independent in 1128. Today, Porto is known for its wine as well as its hard-working and down-to-earth inhabitants.

Early and High Middle Ages

In 868, during the Iberian Peninsula's Reconquista period, the region of Porto was turned into the County of Portugal when Vimara Peres retook the city from the Moors. The city was the focus of the Reconquista. It later blossomed during the Age of Exploration. Preceding its breakout, Portugal had struck a symbolic military alliance with England after Joao I married Philippa of Lancaster. In the 14th and 15th century, Porto's shipyards produced many of the ships Portugal's navigators would use to explore the unknown world, namely the coast of Africa.

Early Modern

The fertile Douro River valley, at the mouth of which sits Porto, was producing wine as early as the 13th century. Porto became a symbolic and important wine growing region in the early 18th century when Portugal's prime minister attempted to create a wine monopoly of the region to force out the English firms. This was the first attempt to control the quality and production of wine in Europe. What ensued was a rebellion of small wine growers against the strict policies, now known as the “Revolt of the Drunks.” Ever since, Porto has been known for its independent spirit.
The independent spirit from the “Revolt of the Drunks” continued when Porto residents rebelled against the English presence in the city after the Napoleonic Wars. The rebellion ignited Portugal's Civil War. In the aftermath, Porto was able retain its liberal constitution, after holding out against Miguel of Portugal's siege.

Modern Porto

During the Industrial Revolution, Porto grew in population and size and became famous for its many construction projects involving bridges, the most popular bridge being the wrought iron Ponte D. Maria which was designed by the well-know Gustave Eiffel. Today, Porto boasts an impressive downtown, with UNESCO having declared its historic center a World Heritage Site in 1996. A modern highlight of Porto is its Contemporary Art Museum, an intriguing minimal space.