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A ship was stranded for 20 years on the beach?
16 July, 2018 /

A wreck in 1975 left traces for two decades. The prow of the tanker Jakob Maersk was stranded for decades by the Castelo do Queijo, as if recalling the tragedy.

On January 29, 1975, the Danish oil tanker Jakob Maersk loaded with 84,000 tons of crude oil, was headed for the Port of Leixões, but it smashed into a rock at the bottom of the sea. The engine room exploded, the ship broke in three and caught fire. The noise of the explosion and the huge cloud of black smoke startled the local population who still remembers that fateful day.

The fire, which lasted three days, was visible hundreds of kilometres away and caused respiratory problems at the time in many inhabitants of Matosinhos. Seven crew members of the boat died, several were injured and the crude oil spread to a great extent.

The central area of ​​the tanker and the stern sank. The prow floated for several days stranded next to the Castelo do Queijo, where it stayed for 20 years until it was removed.

The Guindais elevator
16 July, 2018 / , ,

Today, we have a funicular but at the end of the 19th century an elevator made the route between the Batalha and the Guindais Pier. Inaugurated on June 4, 1891, it suffered, two years later, an accident that forced it to shut down for more than 100 years.

The lift emerged to link the Guindais Pier, where the boats came with food, and the Batalha which, by its central location, was a point of distribution of these products to other parts of the city. The difference between the highest and the lowest point was 75 meters but there were two different slope levels (7% and 47%). The Porto engineer Raul Mesnier made the project and the works began in 1889. The Guindais quarry was dismantled, the lift built and, after several tests, inaugurated in June 1891.

Transportation was made by three cars – one of balance and two main ones, with 5.6 meters of length and capacity for 40 people. In the central part of these cars there were luxury compartments, with rugs, upholstered seats and blinds. The trips were running every five minutes and cost 40 kings, but the huge investment needed to build and maintain the lift has never been offset by revenue. In 1893, an accident – with only material damages – dictated its closure. The current funicular was inaugurated in 2004.

Source: O Tripeiro 7ª série Ano XXII nº 3 March 2003

Douro Marina – Where excellence lies in the quality of service
16 July, 2018 / , ,

Douro Marina, located on a beach street in Afurada on the edge of Vila Nova de Gaia, is a port of great excitement with incredible views, places for walks, restaurants, shops and cafes.

This infrastructure is one of the emblematic works of the MCA Group that was responsible for the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance. With a capacity for 300 boats up to 20 meters, Douro Marina is the largest port north of Lisbon. It has support infrastructures and services with about 2000m2, spread over 3 buildings, whose architecture reflects and interacts with the surrounding riverside landscape, inspired from the Portuguese tradition of shipbuilding.

In addition to the port, the Marina has welcomed in its complex space, leisure events, sports, corporate events, conferences, training and presentations, benefiting from the extraordinary views and logistic conditions, which includes catering and meals.

Douro Marina is a new concept where sports, leisure, tourism, gastronomy and nature combine in a sustainable, innovative and full service concept.

For those who simply want to relax and watch one of the best sunsets in the world the esplanade is the ideal place. Nonetheless, you can also enjoy the 3 restaurants, nautical charters, nautical products shop, sailing academy, SUP gym and kayaks and bike rental, as well as spaces for group or private events.

Since its creation, the MCA Group / Douro Marina aims to achieve recognition in terms of sustainability and preservation of space as an indicative example where the intervention of man adds value and preserves its surrounding nature.

 BLUE FLAG HOLDER 2018 IN THE DOURO MARINA

The national ceremony to raise the first Marina Blue Flag in 2018 took place on June 19. This event took place in the Douro Marina in Vila Nova de Gaia, being the first Marina awarded the Blue Flag in the north of Portugal in the last 9 years.

Eduardo Vitor Rodrigues, Mayor of Vila Nova de Gaia, José Archer, president of the Blue Flag of Europe association and Manuel Couto Alves, president of MCA Group / Douro Marina, presided over the ceremony which also included representatives of public entities and tourism in Northern Portugal.

According to the National Blue Flag jury, the choice of Douro Marina to host the ceremony was recognition of the commitment shown and the work carried out in favour of sustainability. More so, seeing that there weren’t any Blue Flag awards since 2009 in a Marina or Recreational Port in the northern region of the country.

The beaches of Porto
17 May, 2018 / , ,

The sunny days and heat encourage you to go to the beach and in Porto youdo not have to go far to nd a quietplace by the sea to sunbathe, stroll, savour a delicious meal or a cool drink.

Being in a city by the beach is an easy dream to ful-l for those who are in Porto. Visit the nine BlueFlag beaches where you can enjoy the summer without giving up the city life.

PRAIA DO OURIGO

The bathing tradition dates back to the 16th century, when it was said that these waters healed diseases.

PRAIA DO HOMEM DO LEME (HELM MAN BEACH)

It’s ideal for those who have children, since it has two playgrounds. It is a rocky beach, with an area of 374 sq meters. The name comes from the bronze statue, placed on Avenida de Montevideu, which pays homage to theshermen.

PRAIA DO CARNEIRO (RAM BEACH)

It has an extensive beach and has been very popu- lar since the 19th century. Some centuries ago it was a grazing area. A folk tale tells that it was here that one of those sheep strayed from its fold. The image of the sheep was eternalized on top of the Chalé Suíço (a kiosk that still exists today in Rua do Passeio Alegre).

PRAIA DAS PASTORAS (SHEPHERDESS BEACH)

The beach is delimited by two piers, which protects itfrom the wind. It is here that the Douro River ows intothe Atlantic Ocean. It has this name because it was cus- tomary for the shepherdesses to bring their sheep here to graze on the herbs and smell the seaside.

PRAIA DE GONDARÉM

A beach with 115 meters of extension. The name of this beach derives from the Latin and means something like “rest in the battle”. It has a stone wall that is covered because of high tides, making it safer for children.

PRAIA DO MOLHE (QUAY BEACH)

It has an extension of 168 meters and it is named after the coastal structure, similar to a pontoon that advances into the sea and limits the bathing zone. The landscape is embellished by the Pérgola da Foz, a cement balus- trade built in the 1930s that functions as a privileged gazebo over the sea. The staircase and the surrounding area make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Porto.

PRAIA DOS INGLESES (BEACH OF THE ENGLISH)

As the name implies, it was a beach preferred by the British community of Porto. An 86 sq meters sandbank,an area of very smooth slopes and ne sand.

PRAIA DA LUZ

A small beach framed by rocks and a garden area on Avenida do Brasil. When the tide is low you can see two pontoons supporting the baths of the 19th century.

PRAIA CASTELO DO QUEIJO

Located next to Castelo do Queijo. It is a rocky area,much sought after by shermen and people seeking totake advantage of the medicinal properties of rocks.

Photo credits: Marisa Pinheiro

Beer made in Portugal
26 April, 2018 / ,

Beer is a favourite drink at any time of the year, but in summertime It is better to accompany a light meal, an afternoon on the terrace, or even at an open-air concert.

Beer and summer blend well and complement each other. Perhaps this is why the Portuguese, as well as great lovers of beer, are also producers of internationally recognized brands. This is the case of Super Bock, made a few kilometres from Porto, which is the only brand on the market to win 36 gold medals from the international Monde Selection da la Qualité. The colour, flavour, foam and body are unique and make it the favourite of the Portuguese and foreigners visiting Portugal. The same brewery also produces Cristal, the oldest beer in the Portuguese market. Existing since 1890, it has also won several gold medals. For those who prefer beer with less alcohol, Cheers ensures the best flavour and lightness.

 

Burning of the Ribbons – The great party of Porto students
26 April, 2018 / , ,

From May 6 to 12 the Porto university students are celebrating and the city is invaded by a huge wave of color and joy. Concerts, a gigantic parade and other cultural activities involve more than 350,000 students.

The tradition stands for decades. For a week, Porto’s university students are partying, going out in the street with their academic apparel, black robes and their top hats, walking sticks and ribbons in the folders that bear the color of each course. The party begins with a monumental serenade, at midnight on Sunday, the 6th. On Tuesday, during the afternoon and night, the students walk the streets of the city in a procession that ends up involving their relatives, townspeople and tourists. The march begins next to the Rectory of the University of Porto and ends in the Aliados.

The Blessing of the folders Mass, which also takes place in the Aliados, is another high point of an intense program, which also includes concerts in the City Park.

José Rodrigues – The sculptor who made his mark in Porto
18 April, 2018 /

José Rodrigues is one of the greatest Portuguese sculptors, deceased on September 10, but his works continue to mark the landscape of the city.

Born in Luanda, Angola, in 1936, José Rodrigues demonstrated at a very early age a taste for sculpture and even as a child he liked to mold clay. Later in Portugal, he studied sculpture at the Escola Superior de Belas Artes do Porto, where he would become a teacher some time later. He was Founder and chairman of Cooperativa de Ensino Artístico Árvore and founder of the Bienal de Cerveira.

In addition to sculpture he also dedicated himself to other artistic expressions. He Illustrated books for writers and poets, produced ceramics and medals, created scenographies and designed the set for the classification ceremony of Porto as a World Heritage City.

His foundation, located in a former hat factory, embraced not only his studio, but also a place for dissemination of arts, with exhibition halls and an auditorium, receiving a ballet and theater company as well.

Among his most famous works are O Cubo da Praça da Ribeira (The Cube of Ribeira Square) (1976) or the Entrepreneur Monument (1992).

Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
18 April, 2018 / , , ,

The church of Santo Ildefonso has about 11,000 tiles on the front and sides of the bell towers.

These tiles were designed by Jorge Colaço, who also created the tiles of São Bento Station, and represent scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso and the Gospel. They were placed only in 1931, but the construction of the church is much older.

The church of Santo Ildefonso began to be constructed in 1709, the first phase (still without the bell towers) being completed in 1730. In the interior there are eight stained glass windows and a retable in carved baroque and rococo of the first half of the 18th Century by Nicolau Nasoni. When visiting this church, located in the middle of downtown Porto, do not forget to pay attention to two large canvases measuring 5.80 x 4.30 meters, suspended on the side walls, painted between 1785 and 1792.

In the area of the choir there is a pipe organ of the early nineteenth century, which has been restored. The church also has vestiges of an old cemetery, discovered during the restoration works of recovery executed in 1996.

It was from the staircase of this church that in 1891 shots were fired that would end the revolution that was the first attempt of the implantation of the Republic in Portugal.

Centuries of tradition of exclusive taste – What you need to know about Port wine
18 April, 2018 / , , ,

Produced in the Douro region, it is world -famous and can be enjoyed in the most diverse occasions.

The terraces and the climate of the Douro allied to the experience gained over the centuries to create a unique wine in the world, with an aroma and unique flavours, which features a wide range of colours – ranging from (ruby to pale white, then passing to golden white) and sweetness (very sweet, sweet, semi-sweet or extra dry).

The aging process results in two different types of Port Wine. Ruby wines keep the red colour, fruity aroma and strength of a young wine. In terms of quality, they can be divided into Ruby, Reserve, Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) and Vintage. The wines from the best categories, especially Vintage, can be stored for several years, as they age well in the bottle.

Tawny ports are obtained by blending different matured wines by aging in casks or vats. Colours can be red-tawny, tawny or tawny light and aromas evoke dried fruit and wood, characteristics that are accentuated with age. The existing categories are: Tawny, Tawny Reserve, Tawny with age indication (10 years, 20 years, 30 years and 40 years) and Vintage. They may be consumed shortly after bottling.

Rua de Santa Catarina – Shopping and fun
18 April, 2018 /

It is the ideal street for shopping. With hundreds of shops and constant animation, it has many places not to be missed.

Rua de Santa Catarina has a length of 1500 meters in downtown Porto; it is the favorite place for Porto locals and tourists to shop. Part of this street is pedestrian, which makes it the perfect place to do window-shopping, buying from clothing to traditional Portuguese products or even handicrafts in stalls placed along the sidewalks. It has also become a place of permanent animation, thanks to the many street artists who perform every day for those who pass by.

From the more traditional shops to the international brands, it provides the consumer with a variety to satisfy all tastes. The cafes, restaurants and terraces allow you to rest from your walk or feel an increasingly cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Due to its central location, it is also the ideal starting point to discover Porto.

Points of interest

Café Majestic – Opened in 1921, it is the most famous café in Porto. An exquisite space full of glamour, with a unique decoration where the mirrors, the imposing entrance and the interior patio stand out.

Capela das Almas/Chapel of the Souls – Built at the beginning of the 18th century, this chapel stands out for its façade covered with tiles, representing steps of the life of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Catherine.

Decoration Arte Nova – the facades of Ourivesaria Reis & Filhos (Jeweller) and the Latin Library Bookstore, both next to the Church of Santo Ildefonso, are decorated with cast iron sculptures in Art Nouveau style

Via Catarina – housed in a building that once served as headquarters for a newspaper, this shopping center, in addition to numerous shops, it has a restaurant area that resembles a typical street in the city