The Fernandine walls, Oporto, Portugal

The Fernandine wall was built by order of King D. Afonso V in 1336, replacing the old medieval wall which was becoming too small as the city expanded. It was named after D.Fernando, his grandson, as it was concluded during his reign a few decades later. The walls had a perimeter of 2600m and encircled an area of 44.5 hectares.


As it lost military importance from the 18th century on the wall was progressively dismantled. However, it was in the 19th century that most of the destruction took place, to give way to new squares, streets and buildings.


The entry to the wall is close to Oporto Cathedral, through a door of Santa Clara's church. The wall provides one of the most magnificent views of the city and the river.


Opening hours: Mon. to Fri. from 9 am to 5 pm.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Gates of Mdina, Malta

Church of Santa Maria de Belém, Lisbon, Portugal

Martim Moniz Square, Lisbon, Portugal

Archaeological excavations in Lisbon's Cathedral Cloister, Portugal