Porto

Casa da Música, designed by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas, is a landmark music venue in Porto, opened in 2005. This innovative building features two main auditoriums and various cultural spaces, making it a hub for artistic, musical, and educational events.

The Palácio da Bolsa in Porto, a neoclassical architectural masterpiece, began construction in 1842, with contributions from several renowned architects over the years. Today, it serves as a cultural hub, featuring the opulent Arabian Room and exquisite craftsmanship like the Portrait Room's table, crafted by Zeferino José Pinto.

Discover Porto's rich architectural journey, from its Romanesque beginnings to its modern, avant-garde landmarks. Explore how the city's iconic structures narrate a story of historical depth and contemporary innovation.

Eduardo Souto de Moura, a prominent Portuguese architect born in Porto in 1952, has made significant contributions to architecture, drawing from diverse influences including Álvaro Siza Vieira, Mies van der Rohe, and minimalist art. Awarded the Pritzker Prize in 2011, his work is celebrated globally for its innovative approach, reflected in landmark projects like the Municipal Stadium in Braga and the Burgo Building in Porto.

Álvaro Siza Vieira, a celebrated Portuguese architect, has made a significant impact on both national and international architecture with his avant-garde designs. His notable works, such as the Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Porto, and the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, have earned him prestigious awards, including the Pritzker Prize and the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale. Siza Vieira's architectural legacy continues to inspire new generations of architects worldwide.

Almeida Garrett, born in Porto in 1799, was a pivotal figure in 19th-century Portuguese literature and politics. Renowned for his works "Frei Luís de Sousa" and "Viagens na Minha Terra," he played a crucial role in the Liberal Revolution and the development of Portuguese theater and dramatic arts.

Oporto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is renowned for its rich history, its historic architecture and Port Wine industry, achieving the UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996. It is also home to FC Porto, a prominent football club founded on September 28th, 1893, by António Nicolau d'Almeida. The club began playing at Campo do Prado and later moved to Estádio das Antas in the 1950s, with the modern Estádio do Dragão opening for Euro 2004. Under leaders like Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa and José Maria Pedroto, FC Porto gained international acclaim. Visitors to Oporto can explore the club's extensive history at its museum, inaugurated in 2013, showcasing over 300 trophies and notable artefacts.

The Serralves Foundation, or Fundação Serralves, is a prestigious cultural institution in northern Portugal renowned for its contributions to art and landscape. The Foundation encompasses several notable sites: the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Art Deco House, the Manoel de Oliveira Cinema House, and Serralves Park, which includes an 18-hectare area with a Treetop Walk offering panoramic views.

The Festival Marés Vivas, is helding from July 19th to 21st at Recinto MEO MARÉS VIVAS between Madalena Beach and Canide Sul Beach, features an impressive lineup of artists. On July 19th, enjoy Syro, D.A.M.A, D'ZRT, and the renowned English pop band Take That. July 20th showcases Marisa Liz, Rag'n'Bone Man, James Arthur, and Ben Harper. The final day, July 21st, includes António Zambujo, Ornatos Violeta, Louis Tomlinson, and Snow Patrol. Tickets range from €45 to €90. 

The São João festivity in Porto is one of the city's most traditional and vibrant celebrations, held between June 23th and 24th, coinciding with the summer solstice and dedicated to St. John the Baptist. This municipal holiday blends Catholic and pre-Christian pagan rituals, initially focusing on religious processions and masses. Participants engage in unique traditions like teasing with plastic hammers, releasing hot air balloons, and lighting bonfires to ward off evil spirits, while "manjerico" plants symbolize love and friendship. The festivities culminate in a spectacular fireworks display along the River Douro, with the city bustling with concerts, outdoor dining, and a lively communal atmosphere.