Portugal. Oporto von San Joao aus.

Title

Portugal. Oporto von San Joao aus.

The composite plate shows the city of Oporto in the center and is bordered by eight views, e.g., of Lisbon, Batalha Monastery, Coimbra, Mafra Monastery, ...

ca. 1840

Artist

Rosmäsler

Historical Description

Porto, often called Oporto, is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and has a rich history spanning more than 2,000 years. As early as Roman times, the region was known as Portus Cale, from which the name Portugal later derived. Due to its location at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto quickly developed into an important trading center. In the Middle Ages, the city played a decisive role in the Reconquista and in the formation of the Kingdom of Portugal. It was also a starting point of the Portuguese maritime discoveries in the 15th century, as many prominent shipbuilders and merchants were based there. Porto became especially famous for Port wine, whose production and export have been closely linked to the city since the 17th century. Its strong trade relations with England further boosted its economic growth. During the Napoleonic Wars, Porto was the scene of fierce battles, including the Battle of Porto in 1809. In the 19th century, the city played a central role in Portugal’s liberal struggles.