The charming city of Porto had a very humble beginning. During Roman times a town was founded and was given the name Portocale. Records indicated that the town was founded some time in the 5th Century.

In the 8th Century during the Moorish invasion the town was sacked. Later in 982 a Christian army recaptured the town, and both it and the surrounding region fell under the control of the Count of Burgundy. The count ordered a cathedral to be built shortly afterwards.

In 1120 Queen Dona Teresa donated the town to Bishop Hugo. At the time, the town was nothing more then a collection of a small number of houses surrounded by a fortified wall. In 1147 the Bishop helped to convince Crusaders join up with Afonso Henriques to liberate Lisbon from the Moors.

It was not until the "Age of Discoveries" that Portugal and Porto became important in European affairs. Porto became a major trading port and during the 15th Century was one of the leading ship building centers in Portugal.

Throughout the centuries the inhabitants of Porto showed their strong streak of independence, especially as it related to taxation. For example in 1209 the people of Porto were so upset with the Bishop that he remained locked up in the Bishop's Palace for 5 months. The inhabitants were also not terribly supportive of the Inquisition, with it lasting only 4 years and having very limited power. In the early 1600's the women of the area revolted against taxes that were placed upon linen and woolen good. In the mid 1700's there was another revolt. This revolt was related to a wine monopoly put into place by the Marques de Pombal. The city experienced other revolts over time. In the late 1800's the city elected the first republican representative.

Today the official name of this charming city is Porto. You may however hear other people call the city as Oporto.

As you spend time in this city, you cannot help but soak up the rich and varied history.