News

Douro Academy
7 October, 2018 / ,

The Douro Academy is the perfect location for all your surfing and canoeing experiences.

The academy is located in the Douro Marina, in Vila Nova de Gaia, in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the north region next to the Douro River and with the ocean in sight. The location is therefore ideal for those who practice or want to learn water sports. You can bring your boat or board or rent equipment from the academy.

Whether it is for training, learning or sightseeing, the Douro Academy has several experiences available that allow you to enjoy the scenery while playing sports. Surf, Stand Up Paddle (SUP), Surfski and Kayak Surf classes are available, as well as kayak and SUP tours, ideal for enjoying the beauty of the Douro’s shores.

 

The prices and terms of participation are explained in detail on the website.

www.douroacademy.com.

Information:

Douro Academy

Douro Marina
Rua da Praia, Vila Nova de Gaia
GPS: 41º 08’ 35’’ N | 8º 39’ 02” W

Tel: + 351 914 322 630

E-mail: info@douroacademy.com

 

António de Sousa Pereira – 20th Rector of the University of Porto
7 October, 2018 / ,

Graduate, master and doctor in Medicine by ICBAS, it was in this faculty of the University of Porto where he developed his entire academic career. In April of this year, he was elected by the General Council as Rector of the University of Porto for the 2018-2022 period.

António Manuel de Sousa Pereira was born on October 17, 1961, in the parish of Ramalde, Porto. Graduate, master and doctor in Medicine by ICBAS, it was in this faculty of the University of Porto that developed his entire academic career, having provided the tests of aggregation in the area of ​​Anatomy in the year 2000. Four years later, and already as a Professor, he was to be elected for the first time as director of the faculty.

He is a member of the National Council of Ethics for Life Sciences elected by the Assembly of the Republic, Vice President of the Strategic Council of the Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto, member of the Board of Directors of the Centro Académico Clínico ICBAS / Centro Hospitalar do Porto and of the Strategic Council of the Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia / Espinho.

Among the positions he held, both inside and outside the academy, he was also President of the National Board of Education and Medical Education of the Order of Physicians, consultant to the Government of the Dominican Republic for the evaluation of the Reform of Medical Schools (2016- 2017), and member of the Board of Directors of ORPHEUS – Organization of PhD Education in Biomedicine and Health Sciences in European System (2013-2016).

As a researcher, he collaborated within the scope of his doctoral thesis with the organization and computerization of a Population-Based Oncology Registry, which constituted the first population-based cancer registry made in Portugal. In recent years, he has developed his research activity in the area of ​​university management and health policies. Among other international projects, he coordinated and participated in the study “Guidelines for Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Health Care Units Used for Teaching in Undergraduate Medicine” in partnership with Imperial College.

Outside of the University, António de Sousa Pereira, 56, is still a man very connected to Porto where he was born and studied almost always: in youth he studied at Liceu Alexandre Herculano and later ICBAS at U. Porto for his undergraduate, master’s and PhD. He is a supporter of FC Porto, although he admits that he does not often go to Estádio do Dragão; among his favourite dishes are the ” Tripas à moda do Porto”, especially if they are made by his mother.

Married and father of two children, he lives near the Douro River and occupies his free time with an old passion: a collection of old cameras. He was a chess player and is still a federated pistol shot athlete.

Erasmus – University of Porto opens to the world
6 October, 2018 / ,

The University of Porto has been hosting more and more foreign students. Thousands of students come to Porto each year, attracted by a reference educational institution and a welcoming and enchanting city. Some end up staying forever.

Twenty years ago, in the 1988/1989 school year, the first student under the Erasmus + program arrived at the University of Porto. It had only been a year since the program had started all over Europe and since then many young people have chosen Porto to have a more complete academic journey and an unforgettable life experience.

On average, the University of Porto welcomes more than 4,000 international students per year. This academic year is expected to reach the highest number ever, with the arrival of more than 4,500 students from more than 100 countries.

Spain, Italy and Poland are the countries where most students come from to spend a few months in Porto. On the other hand, foreign students who are at the University of Porto to complete a cycle of studies are mostly from Brazil.

According to the European Commission, Portugal is the 7th country with the highest number of students in the 33 countries participating in the Program, behind Spain, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy and Poland.

 

Why Porto?

The quality of teaching at the University of Porto, the beauty of the city, the low cost of living, the cultural offer and the mild climate are some of the reasons that attract students from all over the world to the city of Porto.

The fact that the University has a close link with the companies in the region, the prestige the institution has and the way it supports research and innovation contributes to the University of Porto being in the top 100 in Europe in terms of employability rates.

The hospitality of the people of Porto and the multiculturalism of the school and the city are equally important to attract students from all over the world.

Parque Oriental
21 September, 2018 / , ,

It is one of the less known green spaces which makes it more peaceful and ideal for strolling, relaxing or playing sports.

Designed by the same author of Parque da Cidade – the landscape architect Sidónio Pardal – Parque Oriental benefits from the proximity of Rio Tinto and many of the routes are old rural roads that crossed the fields. This quiet and bucolic setting, dominated by pines and cork trees, is perfect for relaxing or escaping the heat on the warmest days of summer.

The wild flowers and some examples of camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas lend more color to this space, making it even more enjoyable for those who like to be in contact with nature.

With nine hectares in length, this park is also ideal for walking, running or cycling, often receiving initiatives designed to promote physical activity.

 

Alameda de Azevedo, Porto

Animaux de Porto
12 September, 2018 / , ,

Laura (26) and Romain (29) came to Porto almost by chance. To their passion for the city they added their love for animals and created Animaux de Porto, a company that provides pet-sitting services.

The French couple, from Brest, Brittany, passed through Porto whilst on vacation in 2016, but it took some time before they decided to leave their jobs and live in France a year ago. Accompanied by their cats, Pipoune and Snookie, they got in the car and began a new life in Porto 17 hours later.

When one of the cats fell ill and realized that the treatment involved taking three pills a day, they questioned what anyone who had animals with similar problems would do. And so the idea came up to create a service for those who have animals and do not want to take them out of their environment whilst on vacation or working.

Pet-sitting is more than a job; it’s a passion that began even in France, when they took care of their relatives’ pets. “We bring a special presence to the animal, which has a moment reserved just for him,” they say, explaining the advantages of this service for both the animal and its owner who receive messages and photographs to keep them informed their animal’s state of mind. And language is no obstacle since, in addition to French, Laura and Romain also speak English and a little Portuguese.

Information:

www.animauxdeporto.com

animauxdeporto@gmail.com

Instagram: @animauxdeporto

Facebook: Animaux de Porto

Tel: + 351 926 857 199

Tél: +33 631 890 173

Rua Costa Cabral
11 September, 2018 / ,

The most extensive street in Porto begins in Marquês and goes on to the Circunvalação road practically in a straight line, one of the limits of the city. A long drive with lots to discover.

Built in a predominantly rural area of ​​the city, this street still plays an important role in the flow to the eastern part of the city, but also in access to neighbouring counties. Already in the nineteenth century, people and goods passed here on their way to Guimarães, Braga or Penafiel.

The Rua de Costa Cabral stood out from the old streets not only by its more regular geometry, but also by the paving. It was baptized with the name of Costa Cabral, minister who was not popular in Porto. Therefore, the inhabitants of the city did not adopt its title, preferring to call it Estrada da Cruz das Regateiras. The cross to which the name refers to is currently at the back of the church of Paranhos. Previously it was in a square where there was a post of collection of taxes on the goods that entered the city; the women who brought their products to sell in Porto were known for their haggling because they fought the tax authorities the price of the tax to be paid. In fact, when Costa Cabral ceased to be minister, the inhabitants of Porto destroyed the sign that indicated the name of the street.

The name was eventually accepted and the remnants of rural life disappeared. Today the Rua de Costa Cabral is mainly a commercial area with more traditional shops such as grocery stores or formal clothes rental shops, to restaurants and other businesses linked to tourism.

Points of interest

In the four kilometres that separate Marquês and Areosa, several buildings of different eras and styles deserve a closer look:

  • 114 – Centro de Caridade de Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro. Building by the architect Luís Cunha, example of renovation in religious art in the 50’s.
  • 196 – The former Palacete do Lima is a 19th century building that houses the headquarters of Académico Futebol Clube, a historic club in the city that still remains in operation. There is a bar open to the public.
  • 220 – Old Tobacco Factory A Lealdade. This building stands out for its lively yellow tones but also for its huge iron sunroom.
  • Number 323 – Modernist building from the 1940s where Cinema Júlio Dinis worked. It’s now a nightclub.
  • 716 – Casa-Museu Fernando de Castro – former residence of a poet and collector; has an important collection of Portuguese paintings and several examples of gilded carving.
  • Along the Rua de Costa Cabral there are several residential buildings dating from the 19th century, many of them with tiled facades with details that deserve attention on the balconies, doors and windows.
  • 740/760 – Costa Cabral Block – Residential building from the 50’s, designed by the architect Viana de Lima. Classified as Property of Public Interest.
  • 1121 – Hospital Conde Ferreira – was the first psychiatric hospital in Portugal. Inaugurated in 1883.

Porto de Leixões
5 September, 2018 / , ,

An essential port for the country and a striking and award-winning building. The Porto de Leixões and the Cruise Terminal are essential to get to know Porto and the North.

As this an Atlantic region and with a strategic location, the arrival of goods by sea was always essential for the development of this area of the country. But the sea is also connected to leisure and tourism and Leixões wants to increasingly be a gateway for those who arrive to Porto by sea.

The Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, inaugurated in 2015, marks a new era in the history of the Porto de Leixões: the number of boats and passengers has increased every year (only this year it is expects 113 stopovers and more than 120 thousand) and those who arrive have better reception conditions.

The building is a spiral structure 40 meters high, covered with about one million white tiles manufactured by Vista Alegre. Its unique silhouette stands out in the landscape by the sea and awakens the curiosity of those who walk along the outskirts of Porto or Matosinhos. Inside, natural light and curved lines make the space more welcoming. It was considered the 2017 Building of the year in the Public Architecture category for the ArchDail website.

The Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões was considered by Cruises News as one of the best terminals in the world. This building is also home to CIIMAR – Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha da Universidade do Porto (Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine Research of the University of Porto). It also houses the Parque de Ciência e Tecnologias do Mar da Universidade do Porto (Marine Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto) and several research units with a maritime vocation (from Biology to Robotics).

The Porto de Leixões Day

On September 15th, the Porto de Leixões opens its doors between 10.00 and 19.00, with initiatives for all ages. In addition to showing visitors the daily life of the port, there will be boat visits and a regatta.

Avenida da Liberdade, Matosinhos

GPS: 41.190507246926, -8.6861515045166

Public transport: Bus: STCP – 505, STCP – 507

Subway: Line A

www.apdl.pt

 

Guided tours:

Sundays: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Normal ticket: € 5; free for children up to 12 years old; discounts for families,> 65 years, students.

Fontainhas – A viewpoint over the river
3 September, 2018 / ,

Highly sought after during the São João celebrations, the area of ​​the Fontainhas has a special charm at any time of the year thanks to its the magnificent landscape view.

This wide alameda, very close to the Ponte do Infante, is a privileged place to see the landscape of the Douro, Vila Nova de Gaia and a part of the city of Porto. From here you can also see four of the six bridges of the city of Porto: Ponte Luís I, Ponte do Infante, Ponte Maria Pia and Ponte de São João.

The trees and stone benches make this the perfect place to enjoy the shade on the hottest days or to watch the sunset.

If you want to venture out, you can go down the steep Rua da Corticeira towards the Douro River. On the way, you will find traces of an old chapel and a ceramic factory. For centuries, women who climbed the slope carrying heavy bales of carqueja (a plant that was later used in the furnaces of the downtown bakeries) walked on this sidewalk.

This is, still today, one of the most distinctive areas of the city and a place where strong bonds of friendship remain.

GPS:  41.14251570487, -8.6002564430237

Pedro Abrunhosa
13 August, 2018 / ,

He is one of the greatest names of Portuguese music. It was with the album “Viagens” in 1994,that he was made known to the general public, having won the success and affection of many who maintained it until today through a total of 7 original works.

That first record featuring Maceo Parker, James Brown’s saxophone player, was followed by “Tempo” (1996), “Silêncio” (1999), “Momento” (2002), “Luz” (2007), “Longe” (2010) and “Contramão” (2013). In the first 5 studio albums, he was accompanied by the band Bandemónio; in the last 2, by the Comité Caviar. All the songs were written and composed by him.

He is Pedro Abrunhosa. He was born in 1960, started in classical music studies, was a teacher (from the age of 16) and bass guitarist of Jazz having founded the Escola de Jazz do Porto (Oporto Jazz School) and his own Orchestra. He is known for always wearing his sunglasses but mainly for many successes in the last 25 years of Portuguese music, such as “Tudo o que eu te dou”, “Momento”, “Se eu fosse um dia o teu olhar” – song composed for the soundtrack of the film “Adam and Eve” by Joaquim Leitão – “Toma conta de mim” or “Fazer o que ainda não foi feito”. His songs are interpreted in Brazil by names like Caetano Veloso (who invited him to present a show together at Expo98), Maria Bethânia, among many others. He also composed for other musicians, like Ana Moura, Carlos do Carmo or Camané. In 2004 he was one of the artists who closed Rock in Rio which was held for the first time in Lisbon. In addition to the 7 studio albums, he released two DVD’s: “Intimidade” in 2005 and “Coliseu” in 2011.

 

In addition to being a songwriter, Pedro Abrunhosa has appeared opposite Chiara Mastroianni in Manoel de Oliveira’s “A Carta”, 1999, and is a regular chronicler in various media outlets. In 2005 he founded the BoomStudios, recording studios for himself and for other national and international music names. He won several awards: 3 Golden Globes, the Bordallo Press Prize, the SPA Prize – Pedro Osório, 4 Blitz Awards, and many others.

In 2016, Pedro Abrunhosa was the author responsible for the song of support for the National Football Team at Euro2016 in France, with an adaptation of the song “Tudo que te dou”.

But Pedro Abrunhosa is also a man of causes. And if today the city vibrates with the cultural programming of the Coliseum, it is surely in the memory of the Porto residents the image of Pedro Abrunhosa handcuffed at the doors symbolizing the opposition of the city to the sale of the space. For this reason and for everything else, Pedro is a man from the city of Porto and Porto is the city of Pedro Abrunhosa.

Manuel de Novaes Cabral
13 August, 2018 / , ,

Born in 1960 in this city, where he carries his professional life, excluding the period in which he was head of the office of Minister Valente de Oliveira, in Lisbon. It is from here that since November 2011, he leads the IVDP, Institute of Douro and Port Wines, which supervises, monitors and certifies the quality and quantity of the and Douro wines as well as promotes them and defend the respective designations of origin. Graduated in Law and postgraduate in European Economics by the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, served as deputy director of the newspaper O Primeiro de Janeiro and was an adviser to the of the Fundação de Serralves.

But before arriving at the IVDP he was the Municipal Director of the Presidency of the Porto City Hall for 8 years and many years in the Coordination Commission of the Northern Region.

Getting back to wine, his connection is deeply familiar and institutional as for 4 years he was also Secretary-General of the Assembly of European Wine Regions, and represented the Porto City Hall at the Great Wine Capitals.  This connection is still made through books, rooted and properly cultivated taste; among others, he published “Aspects de la politique Vitivinicole des Régions d’Europe” (3 vols., 2000 and 2001), “Territories of the Wine” (1st edition, 2009, 2nd edition and Mode de Ler, 2010) and “Other Territories of Wine” (ed. Modo de Ler, 2012) and, of course, his frequent and regular participation in newspapers and magazines.

With wine as the center of attention, but with special focus on what the Douro region provides us.

As he considers wine a cultural element, he does not cease to make this connection constantly: he presented this month in July the book Poems of My Life, the 23rd volume of an annotated collection of poems inserted in a collection begun by Mário Soares, which includes authors such as Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Vasco Graça Moura or Eduardo Lourenço.

His suggestions are about the city where he lives and knows well. And what good tips he has to give

– Restaurant: I really like going to Ernesto, in Rua da Picaria. It blends really well its old feel with the cosmopolitanism of its clientele. And the walls full of memories, with the cosy good taste of my friend Reinaldo, along with an honest and impeccable kitchen.

 

– Bar: A Capela Incomum, in Carregal. The place, the friends and the very old memory of the visits (without any success) of the old Conservatory.

– Tour: Is Porto not a romantic city by nature? Let’s do the Caminhos do Romântico!

– Ideal place to drink some port wine: Port wine, by itself, at the right temperature and in the glass, transforms any place. I suggest, of course, the atmosphere of the Port Wine Cellars, in Vila Nova de Gaia.

– A secret of the city that you can reveal: The heart of D Pedro, in the Church of Lapa, whose keys are shared by the Ombudsman of the respective Brotherhood and the Mayor of Porto – only accessible to some and in very rare moments.

And if being a bit eerie: Why not circle through the cemeteries of Porto, like the catacombs of S. Francisco, or “hanging out” with Camilo Castelo Branco or Arnaldo Gama in the cemetery of Lapa? And if you go there, ask to see the pistol with which Camilo committed suicide in 1890 in S. Miguel de Seide.

One last tip: Do not forget to visit one of the lesser-known and most notable Houses of Porto, the former Banco Comercial do Porto, currently the Douro and Porto Wine Institute, in Rua Ferreira Borges where you can with a glass of Port in hand.