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Introduction to Porto with Francisco Barros Marques

Introduction to Porto with Francisco Barros Marques


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

The city of Porto gave Portugal its name. Join a local expert on a voyage through the history of the charming cobbled streets of Porto as we cover everything from its pre-Roman origins, Jewish heritage, Henry the Navigator, and the contemporary and Pritzker-prize winning architecture. This is a fascinating seminar for those looking to understand just what makes this authentic city tick.

We’ll begin with a discussion of Porto’s origins as a pre-Roman settlement - called Cale or Portus Cale, later becoming the capital of the Portucalense County (868-1143). We’ll learn how in 868, Vímara Peres, a Galician knight, founder of the Portuguese land, had an important contribution in conquering the territory from the Moors, thus restoring the city of Portucale. Next, we’ll discuss the several Jewish Quarters which have been in existence since its beginning. In 1386, King D. João I, ordered the Jews’ concentration at the Olival neighborhood, within the medieval walls. We’ll discuss how the new Jewish Quarter adjoined two of the doors on the city wall; locations that can still be mentioned today: Olival and Escadas da Esnoga. It’s no wonder that Porto’s Historic Centre was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1996; it fascinates for its antiquity, intensity, and authenticity.

We’ll learn how Porto is proud to have been the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator, a key figure in the early days of the Portuguese Empire and maritime expansion. We’ll also explore how Porto got its name in the wine business world, just why it has so many bridges, as well as other contemporary and old architectural feats. It is the only city in the world with developed projects from three Pritzker awarded architects, two of them, Siza Vieira and Souto Moura, are from the Porto Faculty of Architecture (already a unique achievement), the third one is Rem Koolhaas (Dutch architect, architectural theorist and urbanist).

Led by an expert on Portuguese history, art history, and culture Francisco Barros Marques, this seminar aims to leave participants better acquainted with Porto, with a deeper understanding of the city’s development from medieval times to the present day. Designed to inform curiosity and future travels, participants will come away with useful travel tips for future in-person visits to this fascinating city.

Francisco Barros Marques is a docent from Porto. He holds an MA in “Theater and Education” from Vigo University, Spain and a post-graduate degree in “Theory of Literature and Portuguese Literature” from Minho University, Portugal. He did undergradate studies in Religious Sciences at Porto Catholic University and also has a BA from Porto's University in Languages and Modern Literatures - Variant Portuguese Studies. He has taught various courses on the subject of education and has been responsible for organizing academic seminars and conferences. He enjoys his work as an interpreter and cultural guide in Portugal and is eager to show the array of delights that his city offers.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 11 reviews
91%
(10)
9%
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D
Debbie Bennett (Staten Island, US)
Background Information prelude to travel

I found the introduction to Porto with Francisco Barros Marques very informative. We had planned on visiting Portugal September 2020 on a tour but needed to cancel due to the pandemic. Francisco showed videos and photos along with his knowledge of Porto to make me want to visit even more. Now that I see what there is to do in Porto and traveling the country, I have the confidence to travel independently and have places of interest to see along with recommendations for restaurants and foods to order. Thank you Francisco.

A
Anonymous (Newtonville, CA)

Francisco's love for his native city of Porto was evident in this fun and insightful virtual tour. The quality of his audio visual materials was also very good. All in all, a delightful way to pass an afternoon. Now I can dream of my next trip to Portugal. Obrigada, Francisco!

m
merry bruns (Chevy Chase, US)
Porto, by a native!

Francisco knows Porto intimately, as he was born there-hearing his take on places I've seen and loved there was a real delight. He was terrific at answering questions throughout, translating names and terms, and giving us extra info. It definitely makes me want to go back to Porto again!

B
Brenda (San Jose, US)
Great seminar!

Really enjoyed the seminar!

S
Susan G (Wilmette, US)
Explore Porto

I have traveled to Porto and yet I learned so much from this seminar. Francisco is so knowledgeable especially in regards to the architecture of the city. You will want to travel to Porto with Francisco as your guide.

Customer Reviews

Based on 11 reviews
91%
(10)
9%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
D
Debbie Bennett (Staten Island, US)
Background Information prelude to travel

I found the introduction to Porto with Francisco Barros Marques very informative. We had planned on visiting Portugal September 2020 on a tour but needed to cancel due to the pandemic. Francisco showed videos and photos along with his knowledge of Porto to make me want to visit even more. Now that I see what there is to do in Porto and traveling the country, I have the confidence to travel independently and have places of interest to see along with recommendations for restaurants and foods to order. Thank you Francisco.

A
Anonymous (Newtonville, CA)

Francisco's love for his native city of Porto was evident in this fun and insightful virtual tour. The quality of his audio visual materials was also very good. All in all, a delightful way to pass an afternoon. Now I can dream of my next trip to Portugal. Obrigada, Francisco!

m
merry bruns (Chevy Chase, US)
Porto, by a native!

Francisco knows Porto intimately, as he was born there-hearing his take on places I've seen and loved there was a real delight. He was terrific at answering questions throughout, translating names and terms, and giving us extra info. It definitely makes me want to go back to Porto again!

B
Brenda (San Jose, US)
Great seminar!

Really enjoyed the seminar!

S
Susan G (Wilmette, US)
Explore Porto

I have traveled to Porto and yet I learned so much from this seminar. Francisco is so knowledgeable especially in regards to the architecture of the city. You will want to travel to Porto with Francisco as your guide.