Cais da Ribeira　, A Timeless Encounter with History and Romance

Cais da Ribeira, 4000 Porto, Portugal

There are many restaurants and bars on the square

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Introduction

In 1996, UNESCO designated the area from the Ribeira Quay to the Ribeira Square, at the center of the medieval Old Porto, as a world cultural heritage site. The area is located on the banks of the Douro River and has witnessed many historic events, including commercial trade and infamous wars. In 1809, the French invasion resulted in the death of over 4,000 people, a tragic moment immortalized in copper reliefs. Today, this area has become a favorite destination for both locals and tourists in Porto, with numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants to while away the time. Medieval buildings, ancient streets, Port wine cellars, and the Dom Luis I iron bridge are all tourist attractions, while the charming boats floating on the river add a special touch. This area is also known as the most romantic part of Porto, where lovers can share a dinner under ancient arches or create sweet memories amidst the festive fireworks at Ribeira Quay. Walking along the west bank of the river, you will see Casa do Infante, located at Rua da Alfândega 10. This building was formerly the city customs house and the birthplace of the famous navigator Prince Henry. Nowadays, it is used to store city archives, including Prince Henry's birth certificate and diary, along with other documents related to the city.