Porto

Porto, sometimes called Oporto, is the second largest city in Portugal. It is located along the Douro river in northern Portugal. The history of this city dates back to the 4th century and the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Students taking Portuguese courses in Porto can...

Porto, sometimes called Oporto, is the second largest city in Portugal. It is located along the Douro river in northern Portugal. The history of this city dates back to the 4th century and the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Students taking Portuguese courses in Porto can expect to experience a fairly mild climate, with winter temperatures rarely falling below freezing, and summers being mostly warm and mild. Porto is a hilly city showing off a variety of styles, including baroque churches, medieval alleyways and village style plazas. One of the most famous exports from Portugal is Port wine, named for city of Porto. While students are attending Portuguese school in Porto they might enjoy a visit to the Porto Cathedral. It is one of the oldest churches in the area. Another popular place to visit is the Stock Exchange Palace. Construction began in 1842 but was not completed for three generations. Classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the palace is known for its sculptures, floors and paintings, among other things. Students looking for outdoor activities can enjoy walking, cycling, fishing and golf. The cuisine of Porto includes some traditional dishes like Caldo Verde, a soup made with potatoes, cabbage and a touch of olive oil. Porto style Tripe is another famous dish. Porto is known to have an active nightlife, with dance clubs, cocktail bars and restaurants drawing lots of visitors each evening. Students will enjoy the old traditions, the interesting culture, and the beautiful location of this intriguing city.