In addition to its geographical features, the Douro region also benefits from a particular climate, with hot, dry summers and harsh winters. These climatic conditions, along with the expertise of the producers, contribute to the production of high quality grapes.

(federico)

(Isabela)

In 1879, Gustave Eiffel presented a project for a new bridge to facilitate ship navigation, but the project was rejected.

The bridge has two decks, between which develop a large 172,5 metres diameter. On the upper deck there are rectangular piers, while on the lower deck, is based on large foundations supporting molded cornices.

Nowadays, the lower deck of the bridge, it’s

restricted to public transport, taxis, cyclist and pedestrians.

For the upper part, it’s used by metro and by people.

Most Porto cellars and wine lodges are located in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the other side of the Douro River. Porto wine has been produced in this region for several centuries, ageing the world’s most famous fortified wine in wooden barrels.

You can visit numerous wine lodges in Gaia, where you’ll explore the installations with a guide that will explain the winemaking process.

The tour ends with a tasting of the Cellar’s wines (usually two select Porto wines). For example

RAMOS PINTO CELLARS:

Established by Adriano Ramos Pinto in 1880, the Ramos Pinto Cellar is one of the most renowned wineries in the city. Take a wine tour and discover its brand legacy.

SANDEMAN CELLARS:

Founded in 1790, Sandeman is not only famous for its quality wines but also thanks to the mysterious man on its logo.

FERREIRA CELLARS:

Established in an old convent, Ferreira is one of the most memorable cellars in Porto. The wine cellars are over 300 years old.

(Fiana Alessandro)

The big rooms and the old wood makes the environment so rich and heavy, it makes the people visiting feel the ages and the culture of the place.

As I said the reason was most importantly the keeping of the product and being able to let it rest in big quantities

(Mariana G)

The Arrábida Bridge was the second bridge between Porto and VN Gaia to be built for road traffic, being one of the six bridges.

The engineer responsible for his project was Edgar António de Mesquita Cardoso, who made use of the collaboration of the architect Inácio Peres Fernandes and the engineers José Francisco de Azevedo e Silva.

Around the 1940s, it was found that circulation on the Ponte D. Luís, between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, was difficult, mainly due to the demographic expansion of the district of Porto and the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia. , and the need for an alternative crossing was recognized

Regarding the deck, it consisted of two traffic lanes measuring 8 m each, separated by a raised road measuring 2 m wide, two lanes for cyclists measuring 1.70 m each, two raised sidewalks measuring 1.50 m wide.

João, Leonor, Serena and Irene

Located in cellars with centuries of history, Experiencia Fonseca allows you to discover the uniqueness of the Douro valley, the role that Fonseca has played in sustainable viticulture, and also learn how Port wine is made.

Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira contributed significantly to the consolidation of the brand, taking over the business at 33, strengthening and expanding it thanks to her entrepreneurial spirit and charisma. Today, by visiting Caves Ferreira, you can discover a brand that is over 250 years old and the history of Port wine.

(Edoardo Campolongo)

(Daniela , Ale and Lorenzo)

Within this type of bridge, the Infante Bridge is considered one of the most beautiful by experts worldwide. The bridge connects the area of Fontaínhas - one of the liveliest areas around the time of S. João festivals - in Porto, to the town of Oliveira do Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Nowadays it’s a major tourist attraction due to the spectacular view offered by park. From here, you can see the old city of Porto with its emblematic Ribeira district. It’s an ideal spot to watch the sunset. Besides the amazing view, it’s located next to Serra do Pilar Monastery, an old monument that played a crucial role during Siege of Porto.

Morro Garden is also used for various cultural events, like São João Festival.

But why Gaia and not Porto?

Simply put, Gaia's climate is better to keep the wine due to the wind and the solar exposure, therefore making it a better location than Porto.

The reason why they were built is just for the transport of the wine.

Nowadays, Rabelos are used as tour boats fir tourists. Rabelos were created in middle ages.

Simply put, Gaia's climate is better to keep the wine due to the wind and the solar exposure, therefore making it a better location than Porto.

The São João Bridge is located in the city of Porto, Portugal, crossing the Douro River and connecting Porto to the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. Its construction was started in 1984 and completed in 1991. It was designed by engineer Edgar Cardoso and built to relieve traffic on other bridges in the region, especially on the Dom Luís I Bridge.

The bridge has a distinctive design, with a central span supported by two large concrete arches and several smaller arches on each side. Its construction was a significant technical challenge due to the need to cross the wide Douro River.

During its construction, there were technical challenges and also challenges related to environmental impact, due to the location near the river. However, the completion of the bridge brought significant relief to traffic in the region and became an important landmark in the city of Porto.

Leonor, Renato, Victori, Anna

The Maria Pia Bridge (in Portuguese Ponte de D. Maria Pia, commonly known as Ponte de Dona Maria Pia) is a railway bridge built in 1877, and attributed to Gustave Eiffel, situated over the Portuguese northern municipalities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Architecture

The bridge is in an urban cityscape, over the Douro River, connecting the mount of Seminário, in the municipality of Porto, to the Serra do Pilar, in the lightly populated section of the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia.

The technique had been previously used by Eads, but its use by Eiffel is a good example of his readiness to use the latest engineering techniques.

The design uses a parabolic arch.

Over the bridge are painted ironwork guardrails over granite masonry.

Historical context

The D. Maria Pia Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1877, played a crucial role in connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia over the Douro River during the industrial revolution. Named after Queen Maria Pia, it was an engineering marvel of its time.

Use it has nowadays

Today, the D. Maria Pia Bridge is primarily a symbol of Porto's architectural and engineering heritage. While it is no longer used for railway traffic, as it was replaced by the nearby São João Bridge in 1991, it remains an iconic landmark in the cityscape. The bridge is now preserved as a historical monument and serves as a pedestrian walkway, offering stunning views of the Douro River and the surrounding area.

Inaugurated in 1925, the building is composed by two simmetrical orizontal volumes united by a central and vertical body, and it is divided into 15 civil parishes.

In the 8th century, the Moors ivaded the area south of the river Duro causing the Christians to take refugenorth of the River.

This is the representative coat of armz of the villa.

Samuele, Rebeca, Carolina, Mariana

The bridge was built 30 years ago and is modern construction, it consists of two traffic lanes and the standard size is 705m.

the bridge is used to reduce the traffic in the city and to connect the two sides of the cities.

(Fiana Alessandro)