Restaurants, bars and museums in Porto · Page 121

Muralhas Fernandinas do PortoOpens in a new tab

Ribeira · Monuments & Historic Buildings

The Fernandine Walls are a section of fortification constructed in the medieval era. They can be found in the Ribeira neighborhood of Porto. Their official address is Rua da Bainharia 49, 4050-538 Porto. They are also known as the Walls of Dom Fernando and are located within the civil parish of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória, of the city of Porto. According to Wikipedia, the walls are still preserved. Their owner is defined as the Portuguese Republic. Wikipedia also states that the site is open to the public. Because the older medieval walls no longer sufficed for the city of Porto in the 15th century, the Fernandine Walls were constructed to replace them. Dom Fernando is credited with their construction. According to Visit Porto, this reconstruction occurred between 1368 and 1437. Dom Fernando completed the construction of the walls in 1376. The wall measured roughly 3000 paces in length, about 30 feet in height, and was fortified with battlements, bastions, and towers. The earlier Romanesque wall, built in the 12th century, represented the limits of Porto in administration and urbanization. Only two walled sections remain. Trecho dos Guindais is situated along Rua Arnaldo Gama. Trecho do Caminho Novo is along the Caminho Novo Steps. A view of the former wall defensive lines is appreciated from the D. Luís Bridge. This line of defense consists of a wall and road protected by two rectangular towers. The fortification is along the Urban Wine Route and is in the center of Porto, as defined by Visit Porto. The history of Porto’s walls is reflected by the city gates. Postigo dos Carros was built in 1409. Porta Nova dos Carros, which replaced the Postigo da Praia, was built in 1521. In 1529, the section between Porta de Santo Elói and Porta do Olival was in an advanced state of deterioration. During this time, 360 arms-lengths of the wall was ruined.