historic centre of oporto world heritage management plan

HISTORIC CENTRE OF OPORTO
WORLD HERITAGE
MANAGEMENT PLAN – VOLUME I
DECEMBER 5TH 2008
CREDITS
António Leitão da Silva (Municipal Police)
COORDINATION TEAM
Major Luís Pais Rodrigues (BSB – Fire Brigade)
Alzira Torres (Department of Housing)
PORTO VIVO, SRU
Rui Ramos Loza
Margarida Guimarães
Orquídea Félix (Department of Culture)
Georgina Ferreira (Tourism)
Ana Andrade Silva (Department of Urbanism)
OPORTO CITY COUNCIL
António Moura
Lourdes Lopes (Public Thoroughfares)
Fernando Pau Preto (GEP)
Carina Novo (PORTO LAZER)
TECHNICAL TEAM
Luís Mamede (DMASU)
PORTO VIVO, SRU
Teresa Teles (ÁGUAS DO PORTO)
Ana Leite Pereira
Giulia La Face
Beatriz Hierro Lopes
CONSULTANTS
INPUBLIC (Coordination and Strategy)
OPIUM, LDA (Study of Diagnosis)
Carlos Martins
Joana Fernandes
Ana Bragança
Ana Oliveira
Liliana Pinto
Margarida Azevedo
COLLABORATORS
OPORTO CITY COUNCIL
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR OF OPORTO .................................................................... 5
BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................21
DESCRIPTION, HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE ...............................................................33
1.1 DESCRIPTION AND DELIMITATION ....................................................................33
1.2 HISTORY .................................................................................................34
1.3 JUSTIFICATION FOR THE INSCRIPTION ...............................................................37
1.4 VALUE ....................................................................................................38
CHAPTER II ..................................................................................................40
PROTECTION MECHANISMS ...................................................................................40
CHAPTER III ...................................................................................................42
CHAPTER III ...................................................................................................43
CONTEXT ANALYSIS ...........................................................................................43
3.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE CONDITION OF BUILDINGS ..................................................43
3.1.1
REHABILITATION PROGRAMME ..................................................................44
3.1.2.
CONSERVATION ..............................................................................45
3.1.3.
OCCUPATION ..................................................................................48
3.1.4.
ACTIVITIES .....................................................................................50
3.1.5.
OWNERSHIP....................................................................................53
3.1.6.
DYNAMICS ......................................................................................55
3.1.7.
THE INTERVENTION OF PORTO VIVO, SRU ...........................................58
3.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE HERITAGE OF UNIQUE VALUE AND MUSEOLOGICAL AREAS ..............64
3.2.1
HERITAGE OF UNIQUE VALUE ...................................................................64
3.2.2
MUSEOLOGICAL SPACES...................................................................93
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3.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................101
3.4 ENVIRONMENT AND MOBILITY .......................................................................106
3.4.1
ENVIRONMENT ..................................................................................106
3.4.2
MOBILITY ........................................................................................110
3.5 RISKS, PREVENTION AND COMBAT .................................................................114
3.6 TOURISM, CULTURAL PROGRAMMING AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES .............................123
3.6.1
THE IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM ...............................................................123
3.6.2
CULTURAL PROGRAMME .......................................................................131
3.6.3
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ........................................................................137
CHAPTER IV ..................................................................................................142
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES ........................................................................142
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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR OF OPORTO
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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR OF OPORTO
OPORTO WORLD HERITAGE
A GROWING BRAND
On December 5th 2006 UNESCO approved the classification process for Oporto as a World Heritage Site, signalling the beginning of a new
and long-term assertion of our city’s name abroad. From that moment on, Oporto was the recipient and bearer of an honour and
projection that, naturally, involves great responsibility on the part of those in charge of running the city council. It is a challenge that we
consider an honour, something that makes us all proud and which projects the name of the City worldwide.
A honour of this nature, however, demands not only special attention from the Mayor, but, most importantly, specific actions which add
greater value to the city. This is the reason why, after becoming Mayor, I defined the launch of a medium to long-term project for the
rehabilitation of the city centre as one of the top priorities of this Executive, including, for obvious reasons, the Historic Centre classified
by UNESCO.
Let us not fool ourselves; maintaining and developing the potential of this most noble international accolade will only be possible through
the integrated rehabilitation of the respective areas. And we cannot even talk about some logic of constrained priorities. The rehabilitation
will have to occur on multiple fronts that make up the urban whole – public areas, architectural heritage, social and cultural infrastructure,
residential and economic buildings, and, first and foremost, the human fabric in all its guises.
.We are very proud of our achievements so far And only bad faith could explain why anyone would say that Oporto City Council has not
given the Historic Centre and Oporto World Heritage of Humanity every care and attention. It is simply a matter of analysing the projects
underway in the classified areas, as well as the set of strategic plans for each block that have already been approved by “Porto Vivo –
Sociedade de Reabilitação Urbana”.
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At the just right time, UNESCO has revised its classification programme for World Heritage, requesting a World Heritage Management Plan
from those responsible for these sites in the field, in order to ensure the added value and coherence that is the basis of the classification
itself. Oporto City Council welcomes this requirement with open arms and gives form to it in the process which is to be presented to
UNESCO.
I am sure that Oporto will once again demonstrate how worthy it is of this honour and, even more so, will set an example of integrated
rehabilitation of this city and its heritage. The work presented in the report is excellent proof of our capacity, determination, and of our
will to fulfil and honour our commitments.
Oporto, November 2008
Rui Fernando da Silva Rio
Mayor of Oporto
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INTRODUCTION TO THE MANAGEMENT PLAN
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INTRODUCTION TO THE MANAGEMENT PLAN
The need for a Management Plan
Cultural and natural heritage is part of the priceless and irreplaceable things that belong not only
to each individual country but to the whole of humanity itself. The loss of any of these things,
either through degradation or disappearance, constitutes an impoverishment of the heritage that
belongs to all peoples of the world.
As some parts of the abovementioned heritage possess “outstanding universal value”, they are
deserving of special protection against the growing dangers that threaten them.
Well-aware of this need, on November 16th, 1972, the Member-States of UNESCO (The United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) adopted the World Heritage Convention
on the Protection of the World’s Cultural Natural Heritage, which aimed to ensure the appropriate
identification, protection, conservation and appreciation of World Heritage.
Each State that signed up to this convention committed themselves to preserving the properties
within their respective territory, as well as to protecting its cultural and natural heritage.
Portugal has placed its instrument of ratification of the Convention in 1980.
In 1979 the first inscriptions for properties were made for the World Heritage List.
On December 5th 1996, in the city of Mérida, UNESCO decided to include the Historic Centre of
Oporto on the list of World Heritage, making it part of the itinerary of the great cultural assets of
Humanity, thus focussing the attention of national and international authorities, such as IPPAR
(now called IGESPAR) on a national level, and ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and
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Sites)on an international level.
Once the fundamental role of an active management of the Sites classified as World Heritage was recognised, UNESCO engaged in
revising its programme and the International Guide for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention in 2002, which recommends
a Management Plan that ensures guided intervention for all the bodies and agents involved in this area.
Each registered property must have an suitable Management Plan, which must specify how the property is to be preserved, in order to
effectively protect it for the benefit of present and future generations.
Also recognising the importance of the Management Plan, IGESPAR argues:
“Within the specific realm of the historical centres, (...), it is necessary to consolidate the monitoring at close-quarters, in order to
perform an inventory and an analysis of the existing architecture and heritage, as well as promoting the most appropriate preventative
recovery measures and investment in planning that focus on the recovery and conservation of the respective group of properties. (…) It is
considered important to continue the inventory and plans that safeguard and attribute due value to the properties which, more
specifically, already includes the planning and organisation mechanisms of the national, regional, sub-regional and local territory.”
In this way, the drawing up of a Management Plan for the Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage not only represents an imperative for
the sustainable protection of the respective heritage, but also a forum for shared reflection on the important contribution of this resource
to the appreciation of the local, metropolitan, regional, national and international dynamic.
In fact, the process of degradation and devitalisation the site has suffered has been inhibiting the exploration of its potential to improve
cultural, urban, social and economic dynamics that the Historic Centre encloses.
The contribution of the Management Plan
The process of preparation, discussion and dissemination inherent in the drawing up of this document aims to be a contribution for the
achievement of that objective, also seeking to broaden the awareness about the role of heritage as a structural element of area
development.
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The historical centres are living urban realities and not the mere juxtaposition of various factors or simple products of tourism. The
functional rehabilitation of the historic centres must try to find solutions via a balance of historical, urban and functional values of the
past, current needs and the demands of the future. It is therefore crucial to adopt new attitudes as far as urban policies are concerned
and, more specifically, the growing importance that these have in terms of urban planning, marketing of sites and the promotion of
tourism.
We are convinced that the Historic Centre of Oporto needs to change and it is the centre itself that has the power to do so.
It is imperative to rehabilitate and revitalise the centre of the city, establishing it as a place capable of regeneration, embryonic of a
transformation that both the city and the region crave and expect, because it represents an important resource whose potential is a
guarantee of that same change.
Heritage should be safeguarded, preserved, and cultural properties should be managed using models of sustained development, which, in
turn, envisage an integrated relationship between man and environment.
In fact, cultural heritage is (or should be) increasingly recognised as a factor regarding:
•
Tourist value and attraction, both nationally and internationally;
•
Qualification of the population;
•
Social cohesion and inclusion, of solidarity and social rehabilitation;
•
Competitiveness and innovation;
•
Economic growth.
This Management Plan aims to meet this challenge.
It attempts to provide the classified property with a new planning, management and communication tool which facilitates better
preservation and appreciation, consequently safeguarding it and its long-term vitality.
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The recipients of the Management Plan
The Management Plan aims to satisfy various types of recipients:
Residents, visitors, workers and investors in the Historic Centre of Oporto;
Oporto City Council, local entity responsible for the preservation of the majority of the Site, as well as the one most interested in
its preservation and improvement;
The Portuguese State, signatory of this convention, also responsible for the Management of the classified Property;
UNESCO, final recipient of the Management Plan, which includes the concepts and the doctrine developed by its the World
Heritage Convention (2002).
In short, the implementation of this Management Plan aims to contribute to an improvement of preservation and appreciation of the
Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage, in order to ensure its conservation and use, in terms of its specific identity, via the involvement
and the active and voluntary mobilisation of all those involved.
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METHODOLOGICAL PROCESS
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METHODOLOGICAL PROCESS
PRINCIPLES
The implementation of a project of this nature in an area as large and complex as the Historic Centre of Oporto, requires the application
of a rigorous, yet flexible methodology that promotes work based on thorough and specific knowledge about the field, coordinated
with the doctrinarian understanding of international charters and conventions, and the experiences of management of other
historic centres, both on a national and international level.
Because the matter at hand constitutes a permanent commitment between the living city and the classified property, and since in
this field there are no two phenomena alike, the purpose of this Management Plan is to be innovative in terms of resolving specific
problems and strategic decision-making processes.
In its broader sense, the Management Plan involves a whole process of planning that includes the drawing up of a strategy document for
the entire classified area, the definition of a management model and a monitoring and assessment system for the changes
undertaken which is carried out in conjunction with other entities whose mission means possibly achieving the same goals.
For this purpose, the Historic Centre of Oporto was the subject on an analysis of the value and preservation of its buildings and public
areas, as well as of the functional readjustment that occurs as a result of the economic, social and cultural changes which have taken
place in the respective area.
It is understood that a plan with this ambition cannot have the rigidity of a traditional preservation plan or detailed plan. Above all, there
should be a programme of solutions which allow the mobilisation of the Site’s potential value without it being imposed.
The original intention was to create a strategic management document for the whole of the classified area, making use of an
interdisciplinary approach. This approach should provide the classified property with a planning tool that facilitates the best
development possible in terms of preservation and appreciation of the Historic Centre, and consequently its long-term preservation and
vitality.
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The Management Plan is a partnership document, which should offer guidance to all agents involved in the Site classified as World
Heritage, thus promoting a coordinated and integrated management of this area.
PLAN DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGY
The rehabilitation of run-down Historical Centres has been subject of national policies and municipal initiatives. These have often been
carried out with the incentive of international charters and conventions, driven by a certain movement which has broadened the very
concept of heritage from the isolated “monument”, as considered in the ‘40s and ‘50s, to much more global concepts, such as the “living,
inhabited site”, as is the case.
However, and despite the efforts made by city councils, there is still a huge delay in the rehabilitation of the run-down centres of large,
historic cities such as Oporto, where the size and complexity of the urban phenomenon requires major resources and effective tools.
Experiences of urban and regulatory model planning may prove applicable when preserving properties that are more or less seen as
museum pieces or monuments, but still within a living historical centre. It is important to try using planning tools which are more
appropriate to the management of change dynamics that occur to a greater or lesser degree.
Besides being an imperative for preserving national and world urban heritage, the urban rehabilitation of the Historic Centre of Oporto
constitutes an important contribution towards the appreciation of metropolitan dynamics, since the process of degradation and
devitalisation of the site has become a critical area in need of urban recovery and reconversion.
The Management Plan will therefore have to respond to concerns essentially related to the sustainability of the urban heritage site, more
than to the strict preservation of the buildings.
With the inversion of the spiral of decadence and the efforts to attract new populations and activities, this revitalisation will offer an urban
value of high potential, which has been “frozen”, inactive, and pernicious for the overall metabolism of the city and region.
The experience of planning in Oporto, as well as the model of management which is to be used, will certainly be the focus of attention and
exchange of other sites that suffer from the same types of constraints.
This planning model is not and cannot be based on a similar or previous, or imported one since every site has its own subjective and
objective circumstances, although previous experience and the experience of others has not been overlooked. There was a concern to
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use, above all, both imagination and research in this Management Plan in order to create a contemporary tool in line with the most recent
universal thought and with the concrete current circumstances.
This plan and its implementation go beyond the merely technical. It is rather an act of citizenship, able to unite the administration and
those directly interested in a single, coherent and sustainable strategy, one which has the power to move local, national and international
agents towards an investment in material and cultural development, on an unprecedented scale.
Such ambition has posed the enormous challenge of, in a short space of time, summing up an analysis and proposal that will be able to
resist to the erosion caused by the permanent changes that occur in Oporto.
The creation of a Management Plan of a Historic Centre the size of Oporto’s, with the level of protection of World Heritage, National
Monument and of Property of Public Interest has no precedents at national level, and there are still few examples in other countries,
bearing in mind the relevant cultural and institutional differences.
For these reasons, its creation has assumed a somewhat experimental, even innovative character, dealing with the challenges that arise
when the interests of both heritage occurs within the same area.
This is a plan which is fundamental in helping solve and prevent conflicts, mainly among the programmes that proprietors, promoters and
architects are interested in and the capacity of each building to adapt to those programmes.
Clearly, it will not be viable to use new programmes for all buildings (or groups of buildings) that are located in a World Heritage site. It
will be the responsibility of the Management Plan to develop a change framework which allows the capacities and the potential of each
building and each group to be fully exploited, without denigrating their value in terms of heritage. It is therefore imperative to have
detailed knowledge of the buildings, as well as a finely-tuned capacity to assess the programmes presented by the agents of change.
The acquisition (and building) of that competence will constitute an important step in the implementation of the Management Plan.
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The Subject
The Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage is totally
located within the Critical Area of Recovery and Urban
Reconversion (ACRRU) of Oporto City Centre.
After several delimitation processes which originated in
the ‘80s and ‘90s of the 20th century, the Government
approved the area corresponding to the four civil parishes
of the Historic Centre, as well as those immediately
adjacent to them, as Oporto’s ACRRU.
The entire territory covered by the Management Plan of
the Historic Centre of Oporto is therefore recognised by
the Portuguese government as being part of an area of
considerable urbanistic and socio-economic importance,
which imply the need for exceptional measures and
procedures.
Based on that governmental classification, Oporto City
Council made use of Law 104/2004, in order to set up the
Society of Urban Rehabilitation, Porto Vivo.
The management team responsible for drawing up and
implementing the plan, as well as its monitoring, should
ensure their work coincides with the strategy already
defined by Porto Vivo for the rehabilitation of Oporto City
Centre and the process currently underway that aims for
Limit of The Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage
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the objective of Urban Area Management to coincide with that of the World Heritage Area.
Since the whole of D. Luis I Bridge and the Monastery of Serra do Pilar are included in the property registered on UNESCO’s list, Vila Nova
de Gaia City Council is also a directly interested part in this process.
In terms of the World Heritage territory located in that city, the process of urban management and the preservation of property will be
the responsibility of the respective entities and city Council services. Technical coordination between the two sides when defining strategy
is regarded as desirable.
This plan is part of the approved planning currently being already in action, as well as in the applicable regulations, namely in the PDM
(Municipal Master Plan) of Oporto, in Porto Vivo SRU’s Master Plan for Oporto City Centre and in Oporto SIM (System Multi-criteria).
Since this Management Plan represents a tool for the preservation and improvement of the Historic Centre of Oporto, it should not be
founded upon regulatory devices to be added to the existing ones, but rather constitute a coherent set of criteria for the promotion and
analysis of the changes made to the site, its buildings and its activities.
This means that the Management of the Urban Area (GAU) in the Historic Centre of Oporto will necessarily need to be provided with the
means and powers to able to ensure its preservation.
As part of the desired dynamic, a range of good solutions proposed at the time that the plan is drawn up may be supplanted (fully or
partially) by different proposals stemming from creative agents who were not previously present, involved or mobilised.
We should therefore regard this plan as a guide for good practices in rehabilitation and possible improvement, which is capable of
evolving and improving upon annual action plans action.
If we think about the evolution of the Historic Centre of Oporto and about the process of changes, additions and replacements it has
undergone over the centuries, we will be able to acknowledge the importance of those changes in the construction of the whole we see
today.
The current Oporto SIM (Multi-criteria System) within Oporto’s Master Plan (PDM) is created and organised so as to respond objectively
on a “case by case” analysis of the conditions for the changes to the buildings, thus constituting a fundamental tool for the management
of urban operations within the classified perimeter.
Based on that tool, the management plan is free from the regulatory character which has often proved perverse and counterproductive,
being more proactive, leading to action which can only be done via the competition and effort of a multitude of private entities and
initiatives.
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Service coordination represents one of the crucial challenges of the process of management of an area of protected heritage, like in the
case of the Historic Centre of Oporto, and for that reason, when the management plan is drawn up it considers the presence, concerns
and the agendas of the different sectors.
For special areas, such as the critical areas and the properties of special heritage value, the management of the territorial base implies an
organisation which coordinates several decision centres in that area.
Thus, the Management Plan process includes a cross between the different initiatives of the different players, in order to achieve a
proposal which reflects a combination of the diversity of the existing views, without losing the strategic sense of the plan.
Considering all the public municipal and non-municipal services, as well as the range of private entities which operate in the Historic
Centre of Oporto, we have a very broad range of partners who need to be coordinated and mobilised towards a common strategy of
development and preservation of the heritage that this territory constitutes.
Besides the cooperation and inter-institutional coordination between the Management of the Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage and
IGESPAR, it is imperative to ensure the analysis and approval of the plan by the entity responsible for the property inscribed on the List of
World Heritage. The reason underlying this fact is that, due to its inscription on the List of UNESCO, the Historic Centre of Oporto is
Classified as National Monument (art. 15 of Law of Cultural Heritage 107/2001 of September 8, no 7), and also because it is located
within a delimited area in Oporto, which is considered Property of Public Interest.
Although the management of the properties on the List of World Heritage is, according to UNESCO, the responsibility of the signatory
states of the World Heritage Convention and despite the role the city Council has been actively playing in the process of application and
management of the Historic Centre of Oporto, IGESPAR will have the final say in the approval of the Management Plan.
ORGANISATION
This Management Plan is divided into three volumes.
The first volume contains the analysis and characterisation of the different contexts to be studied within this territory, making use of the
most updated sources. At the end there is a reflection about the main opportunities and challenges regarding this Site.
In order to provide a better insight into the affected area, different blueprints containing the characterisation of the Historic Centre of
Oporto that accompany and illustrate the Plan have been drawn up.
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The second volume comprises the entire proposed strategy, responding to the opportunities and challenges found during the analysis of
volume I, and it is divided as follows:
The action plan, organised from the different vectors and objectives defined as strategic intervention, describing the set of projects
proposed for the preservation and appreciation of the Site;
The monitoring process of the Historic Centre of Oporto and respective indicators; and
The management model, which ensures the appreciation, protection and preservation of this area, with social, cultural, tourist and
economic objectives.
The third volume presents all the annexes to the Management Plan, including the building characterisation records within this area. The
records include important information on the state of conservation, occupation, types of services, as well as a historical and artistic
description of each of the buildings in the Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage, as well as other annexes to the Management Plan.
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BACKGROUND
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BACKGROUND
Until 1974, the Historic Centre of Oporto was one of the most run-down areas in the city, where physical and social ruin predominated.
In the 1940s and 1950s those responsible for the areas in question decided that these areas were best demolished, thus destroying all
signs of previous occupation, while at the same time creating new concepts of city and urban life inspired by modernism.
Fortunately, there were not enough means to effect the systematic and complete demolition of the respective areas and for that reason,
only some parts of that precious Oporto, such as Sé, Barredo and Miragaia were lost.
The experience of urban rehabilitation started immediately after April 25th, but studies which had previously been undertaken were an
important support.
In the 1960s Architect Fernando Távora defended Barredo’s rehabilitation, going against the policy of the time which consisted of
systematic demolition to eradicate run-down and unsound habitats.
Barredo and Ribeira became the subjects of case studies and research for students of architecture and social service.
The roots of this social intervention can be found long before April 25th, in the guise of the work carried out by Barredo’s Social Centre.
From 1974 onwards, there was a strong movement claiming for houses bursts out, led by the inhabitants of Ribeira and Barredo, the
greatest victims of the housing problem, and of the urban, social, economic and moral degradation.
The Historic Centre of Oporto has begun to be regarded as a valuable part of the City’s heritage and, by joint decree of the Ministries of
Internal Affairs and Social Equipment and Environment (September 28th 1974) the Government created CRUARB – Commissariat for
Urban Renewal of the Ribeira-Barredo area.
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The first run-down zone to be declared as such was the Ribeira-Barredo area (S. Nicolau civil parish) on July 26th 1975 and, on August
28th 1975, the urgent public utility of the expropriations needed for the execution of the programme of the plan for that area was
declared by decree of the same Office.
CRUARB was created to solve the problem of re-housing as part of housing policies. Between 1975 and 1981 dozens of houses were
renovated every year and by 1982 the recovery of the most run-down quarters of Ribeira-Barredo was concluded.
Exceptional measures of a political nature allowed the Commissariat to use expropriation of public utility, making it possible to acquire
important heritage property which, after being recovered, represents a visible and significant volume of works able to transform the
image and the social conditions of this area.
In 1982, as a consequence of the Law of Local Finance, after which the Government is unable to intervene discretionally in terms of local
authority investment, Oporto City Council assumes the responsibility for the Works of the Commissariat for Urban Renewal of the RibeiraBarredo area.
CRUARB’s works followed the following principles:
“The existing heritage and urban fabric is to be preserved;
Oporto cultural heritage must include not only the older, monumental structures, but also the smaller buildings of lesser aesthetic
value, whose value is found in their contribution for the whole of the urban fabric;
New, modern construction will not be stopped, but their impact on the existing urban landscape should be object of a thorough
study;
All available technical resources must be explored, considering different methods, depending on each situation, ranging from
simple restoration to construction;
Local inhabitants represent full partners in the process of rehabilitation and should be included into all projects;
Large projects which involve demolition or construction of free spaces can only be approved if based on functional demands.”
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By service orders no 315/83 and 329/93 by Oporto City Council, CRUARB’s field of action, initially delimited to the Ribeira-Barredo area,
(S. Nicolau civil parish), was extended to include the whole of the Historic Centre, an area of around 90 hectares.
At the request of Oporto City Council, on August 12th 1985 Regulatory Decree no 54/85 declared 8 zones in the Historical Centre as
areas of recovery and urban reconversion, with the stipulated conditions found in article 41 of Decree-Law 794/76 of November 5th.
In May 1988 the Regulation for the Historic Centre regarding guidelines for construction and/ or renovation of buildings was approved.
In 1990 the Foundation for the development of the Historic Centre of Oporto was created. This foundation was associated with several
institutions in the City and it promoted the urban recovery and the social reintegration, in a coordinated fashion along with CRUARB.
Financially supported by the City Council and the Government, it has managed to extended and accelerate the operation of rehabilitation
of the buildings, as well as achieving much in the social field.
In 1993 CRUARB published the 1st edition of the book “Porto a Património Mundial” (“Oporto for World Heritage”). This was the beginning
of an application process for Oporto to be included as World Heritage on UNESCO’s list.
In May 1994 the Urban Pilot Project of the Sé quarter began, at a time when Oporto City Council had access to the first sub-convention
of the co-financing. PPUBS worked with their own premises and resources and were overseen by CRUARB.
The objectives defined for this Oporto City Council Pilot Project were:
Conservation of heritage and of cultural properties;
Renovation of the urban environment in the area;
Reintegration of the resident population;
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Consolidation and development of Tourism;
Expansion and renewal of commercial activity;
Implementation of a partnership network.
On June 17th 1994, through Regulatory Decree nº 14/94 of June 17th, the entire 90-ha-area of the Historic Centre of Oporto was
classified as a Critical Area of Recovery and Urban Reconversion (ACRRU).
On December 5th 1996, in the city of Mérida, in Mexico, the inscription of part of the Historic Centre of Oporto as World Heritage was
approved.1
Through Decree-Law 67/97 of December 31st the Historic Centre of Oporto was classified as an Area of Public Interest, under terms
mentioned in Article 17, no 2, of the Law of Portuguese Cultural Heritage no 13/85 of July 6th.
In June 1998 the Urban Pilot Project of the Sé Quarter developed the final report to be submitted for European Commission analysis. The
first operations and their sub-groups were presented: urban Environment and infrastructures; Centre of Coordination and Promotion;
Economic Dynamics and Tourism; Centralised System and Access Control; Social Facilities and Security Infrastructure; Cultural Promotion
and Conservation of Historical Heritage.
In 1998 the 2nd Volume of the Process of Application of the Historic Centre of Oporto to World Heritage was published.
In October 1998 the Iberian-American Summit took place in the Alfândega Building (Customs Building), where the Heads of State met.
According to the established programme, the Museum of Transport became responsible for the recovery of the Alfândega Building; the
Foundation for the Development of the Historical Zone became responsible for the entire public area between S. Francisco Square and
Basílio Teles Tree-lined avenue, as well as the construction of the Pedras Pier Viaduct; CRUARB became responsible for Miragaia Front, at
lower height
On August 24th 2000, by Regulatory Decree 11/2000 by the Ministry of Environment and Territory Organisation, a new extension of the
critical area of urban recovery and reconversion was approved. Oporto City Centre, which is made up of parishes of Santo Ildefonso,
Bonfim, Cedofeita and Massarelos was now included.
1
See Chapter I: Description, History and Significance
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With the publishing and approval of the Heritage Law on September 8th 2001, the entire area becomes a National Monument.
In 2001, Oporto was European Capital of Culture. This fact contributed to major work being done to replace infrastructures,
redevelopment in the public space, recovery and re-adaptation of cultural and public facilities and infastructures, as well as the
construction of new cultural facilities, with emphasis on “Casa da Música”.
Still in 2001, a Programme-Contract for the implementation of a Project of “Redevelopment of Ribeira Front”, as part of the Polis
Programme, was approved, including the following:
Reconstitution of the memory of the site/ reconstitution of “Escadas das Padeiras” (Padeiras Steps);
Appreciation of the Fernandine Wall and reconstitution of the access to Postigo do Carvão;
Organisation and hierarchy-plan of the intervention area as a group unit;
Functional
redevelopment
of
the
area
of
intervention,
through
the
marking
of
autonomous,
sustainable
zones,
Commerce/Recreation/ Circulation.
On May 17th 2003, with the implementation of a new macrostructure in Oporto City Council, CRUARB became defunct.
On November 27th 2004 Porto Vivo, Sociedade de Reabilitação Urbana da Baixa Portuense, S.A. was created. Its mission consists of
leading the process of urban rehabilitation of Oporto City Centre.
In 2005 UNESCO invited the State-members to draw up reports on the World Heritage Convention application, including the state of
conservation of the properties located in their respective areas.
In September 2005 Oporto City Council sent the correspondent Report to IPPAR.
This report presents the several interventions carried out after the 1996 classification, on an urban level, in terms of improvements in
infrastructures, the creation of collective facilities, the appreciation of monuments and existing heritage, boosting commerce and services,
and also the great concern about the improvement of cultural activities.
25
On February 3rd 2006, after the Resolution of the Council of Ministers no 19/2006, the Regulation of Oporto Municipal Master Plan was
published in “Diário da República”. PDMP included different articles which are specific to the Historic Centre of Oporto, envisaging
important measures for its protection and appreciation.
On August 10th 2006 a new alteration to Oporto City Council Macrostructure was published and the Department for Rehabilitation and
Conservation of the Historical Centre became defunct.
The Municipal Regulation of the Multi-criteria System of Information of Oporto City, SIM – Oporto, published on October 16th 2007 in
Diário da República focused on a flexibility of the rules defined in Oporto’s Master Plan – PDM, in order to promote and create conditions
for the redevelopment of the run-down urban centre, defining, for that purpose, a system of construction incentives.
26
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
A significant amount of works designed by different architects and promoted by several entities, have been carried out over the years. As
an acknowledgement of the value of these interventions, important prizes have been awarded in the context of both architecture and the
redevelopment of national heritage. These are some of most important ones:
MEDIEVAL TOWER – Rua da Reboleira
Defence of Cultural Heritage Award –Secretaria de Estado da Cultura (Culture State Office) – 1991
Project: CRUARB/CMP – Architect António Moura.
RUINS OF “DOMUS MUNICIPALIS” OR HOUSE OF 24 – Area surrounding the Sé Cathedral
Defence of Cultural Heritage Award –Secretaria de Estado da Cultura– 1991
Project: CRUARB/CMP – Architect António Moura.
PRAÇA DA RIBEIRA AND ADJACENT BUILDINGS
Defence of Cultural Heritage Award – Secretaria de Estado da Cultura – 1991
Project: CRUARB/CMP – Architect António Moura, Architect Furtado Mendonça, Architect Manuel Magalhães, Architect Guilherme Salvador
and Architect Alberto Marcos
“D. TONHO” RESTAURANT – Rua Cimo do Muro
João de Almada Award – Honourable Mention - 1992
Project: A.R. Arquitectos, Ldª
SOCIAL CENTRE OF SÉ – Escarpa do Douro, Ribeira
National Award of Architecture - Honourable Mention A.A.P./M.A.R.N. – 1993
Project: Architect Jorge Gigante, Architect Francisco Melo
27
BELOMONTE THEATRE – Rua de Belomonte
National Award of Architecture - Honourable Mention A. A. P./ Secretaria de Estado da Cultura – 1993
Project: Architect José Gigante
HEADQUARTERS OF THE INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS – Rua de D. Hugo
João de Almada Award – 1994
Project: Architect Helena Rente, Architect José Portugal, Architect Tiago Falcão
FORNO VELHO SCHOOL – Rua Nova da Alfândega
João de Almada Award – Honourable Mention – 1994
Project: Architect Jorge Teixeira de Sousa
THIRD ORDER OF S. FRANCISCO – Rua da Bolsa
João de Almada Award – Honourable Mention – 1994
Project: Architect António Menéres
SÃO JOÃO NATIONAL THEATRE – Praça da Batalha
João de Almada Award – 1998
Project: Architect João Carreira
BUILDINGS ON THE CORNER OF RUA DOS MERCADORES/ RUA S. FRANCISCO DE BORJA – Ribeira
João de Almada Award – Honourable Mention – 1998
Project: Architect Bernardo Ferrão
STUDIOS FOR ARTISTS – Above Ribeira Tunnel
Great Award Sintra Triennale – 1998
28
Project: Architect Vergínio Moutinho
VIELA DO ANJO ALLEY AND ADJACENT BUILDINGS – Sé
National and Biennale Award: “Stone in Architecture” – 1999
Project: Barbosa & Guimarães, Ldª - Architects
TWO BUILDINGS in Rua Cimo do Muro 21 to 22 and 23 to 25
RECRIA Award by IGAPHE – Housing State Office – 1999
Project: Architect António Moura
RUA COMÉRCIO DO PORTO, NOS 57/61 – Social-Cultural Equipment
National Award of Architecture “Alexandre Herculano” – public praise
Promoting Institution: Oporto City Council
Project: Architects António Moura and João Campos
29
The table below chronologically summarises all previous interventions in the Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage.
2008
Drawing
updo
of Plano
the Management
Plan
for the Histórico
Historic do
Centre
Oporto World
Heritage
Elaboração
de Gestão para
o Centro
Portoof
Património
Mundial
2006
Publishing
Municipal
Master
Publicação of
doOporto’s
Plano Director
Municipal
do Plan
Porto(PDMP)
(PDMP)
2005
Report
application
Heritage
Convention
to UNESCO
Envio doon
Relatório
sobreto
a World
aplicação
da Convenção
do sent
Património
Mundial à UNESCO
2004
Porto Vivo,aSRU
set up
Constituída
PortoisVivo,
SRU
2003
CRUARB do
becomes
Extinção
CRUARBdefunct
2002
UNESCOfaz
reviews
programme
andeoperational
guide para
for implementation
Convention,
demanding
UNESCO
a revisão
do programa
guia operacional
implementação of
dathe
Convenção,
exigindo
um PG a MP
2001
HCO
is classifiedcomo
as National
Monument
viapela
the publicação
publication da
theLei
Heritage
CHP classificado
Monumento
Nacional
de BasesLaw
do Património
1998
II
Volume
“Oporto
published
Editado
o IIof
Vol.
do livroWorld
“PortoHeritage”
PatrimónioisMundial”
1997
HCOclassificado
is classifiedpor
as proposta
Propertydo
of IPPAR
Publiccomo
Interest
by de
IPPAR
CHP
Imóvel
Interesse Público
1996
Inscription
of HCO
in
the
List
of List
World
(December
5th, city of cidade
Mérida,
Mexico)
Inscription
of
HCO
for
the
ofHeritage
World
Heritage
(December
5th, city
of Mérida,
Mexico)
Inscrição do
CHP
na
Lista
de
Património
Mundial
(5 Dezembro,
Mérida,
México)
1994
HCO
declared; oits
whole
as ACRRU;
beginning
Urban
Pilot
Project
of Sé
CHP éisdeclarado,
seu
conjunto
como ACRRU;
Inícioofdo
Projecto
Piloto
Urbano
doQuarter
Bairro da Sé
1993
st
CRUARB
publishes
edition
book
“Oporto
for World
Heritage”,
with
application
for da
UNESCO
list
CRUARB publica
a 1ª1edição
do of
livro
“Porto
a Património
Mundial”
com a
candidatura
à lista
UNESCO
1990
Creation
of Fundação
the Foundation
the Development
of Oporto’s
Criação da
para o for
Desenvolvimento
da Zona
HistóricaHistoric
do PortoZone
1985
First
declaration
of ACRRU
(8 (8
HCO
zones)
Primeira
declaração
de ACRRU
zonas
do CHP)
1982
CRUARB ébecomes
integradopart
na Câmara
Municipal
do Porto
com
1º extension
alargamento
área
do Centro
Histórico
do Porto
CRUARB
of Oporto
City Council
with
first
ofda
the
Historic
Centre
of Oporto
area
1974
Creation do
of CRUARB –– (Desp.
(Joint conj.
Decree
of the Ministries
of InternalInterna
Affairs e
and
Infrastructure
Criação
Ministérios
da Administração
doSocial
Equipamento
Social and
e doEnvironment)
Ambiente)
before
antes1974
1974
1964
HCOuma
is one
the most
run-down areas
of the(ruína
city moral e social, pobreza extrema, miséria humana)
CHP
dasofáreas
mais degradadas
da cidade
Pilot
Study
Architect
Fernando
Távora for
Oporto City Council
Estudo
pilotoof
doBarredo
Barredoby
para
a CMP pelo
Arq. Fernando
Távora
TABLE 1: Timeline of previous HCOWP works
30
1964 - STUDY OF the BLOCK "BARREDO
FERNANDO TÁVORA"
1974 - INTERVENTION AREA OF CRUARB
1975 - LIMIT OF the 1st ACRRU
1983 – HISTORIC CENTRE OF OPORTO
1985 - LIMIT OF "ACRRU" ZONE
1994 - LIMIT OF THE 2nd ACRRU
1994 - LIMIT OF THE " PPUBSÉ"
1996 – EXTENSION OF “PPUBSÉ” AREA
1996 – LIMIT HISTORIC CENTRE OF OPORTO
– WORLD GERITAGE (NACIONAL
MONUMENT)
OTHER NACIONAL MONUMENTS
1996 - PROTECTION AREA OF the HCO-WH
-" BUFFER ZONE "ESPECIAL PROTECTION ZONE (ZEP)
OTHER MONUMENTS
1997 - IIP 51
OPORTO
HISTORIC AREA OF
1997 - LIMIT OF “ACRRU” - GAIA
2000 - LIMIT OF 3st “ ACRRU”
2004 – “ZIP”
2005 – “AIP”
2008 – “AIP”
LIMIT OF HISTORIC CENTER OF GAIA CITY
Map Nº 1 – Limits
31
CHAPTER I
DESCRIPTION, HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE
32
CHAPTER I
DESCRIPTION, HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE
1.1 DESCRIPTION AND DELIMITATION
The object of the inscription of the Historic Centre
of Oporto for the list of World Heritage was the
medieval urban fabric within the Fernandine Wall
(14th
Century),
including
Clérigos
Tower
and
Church, São João Theatre, Former Building of the
Civil Government, the quarter delimited by Rua 31
de Janeiro, Praça da Batalha and Rua da Madeira,
the quarter made up of Rua da Barbosa de Castro,
Passeio das Virtudes, Rua Dr. António Sousa
Macedo and also D. Luis I Bridge and Church and
the Monastery of Serra do Pilar, in Vila Nova de
Gaia.
The buffer zone of the classified zone includes, on
the south bank of the River Douro South bank, the
area which corresponds to the river basin of the
port warehouses, as the Vila Nova de Gaia riverine
area represents a natural complement to the buffer
zone, which, in historical and architectural terms,
has a lot of affinity with the classified area.
LIMIT OF AREA INCLUDED IN UNESCO
LIST
LIMIT OF INTERVENTION AREA OF
CRUARB/CH I DECREE Nº 67/97, OF 31 OF
DECEMBER
LIMITE DA ÁREA DE PROTECÇÃO AO
PATRIMÓNIO MUNDIAL
PRIMITIVE WALL
FERDINAND WALL
HISTORIC CENTER OF VILA
NOVA DE GAIA CITY
Map nº 2- HISTORIC CENTRE OF OPORTO WORLD HERITAGE and BUFFER ZONE - LIMITS
33
On the North bank, apart from the limits of the
Historical Centre, the peripheral quarters of Avenida
dos Aliados Avenue, Praça Carlos Alberto Square,
Jardim
do
Carregal,
Miragaia,
Monchique
and
Fontaínhas are also located in the area of protection.
Blueprint
2
identifies
the
Classified
Area
and
respective buffer zone.
1.2 HISTORY
The Historic Centre of Oporto is the result of a
process of about three thousand years of history. It
has great aesthetic value and it has seen urban
development dating back to Roman, medieval and
Almadina periods (18th Century). The archaeological
remains are testimony to an occupation which dates
back to the 8th Century BC.
The variety of civil architecture reflects the cultural
values of each of the periods, adapting itself perfectly
to the social and geographical structure of the
borough.
One of the most important aspects of Oporto and its
Historical Centre is panoramic, due to the complexity
of the terrain, the harmonious coordination of the
34
streets and the relationship of the Douro with Vila Nova de Gaia. Here, planned and non-planned interventions can be found, allowing a
study of the area’s architecture from the Middle Ages until the Industrial Revolution.
The whole historic area is made up of an urban fabric which is confined to the 14th Century Fernandine wall, and nearby areas, such as
Miragaia on the western side and Guindais and Fontaínhas on the Eastern side.
The river was crucial in the Roman village being established, serving as means of communication and trade, a role that has been
confirmed by recent excavations carried out in the Sé Quarter and in Ribeira area. These digs have brought to light the old Roman route
from Conímbriga to Braga (today’s Rua dos Mercadores, Bainharia and Pelames). However, the need for protection against a possible
invader led to the development of a new urban centre at Morro da Sé or Penaventosa.
Consequently we see the growth of two urban centres which characterise the borough: the riverine zone, the pier where goods were
imported and exported and a local thoroughfare, an area where local businessmen traded with the full support of the monarchy; and
Morro da Sé, domain of the Bishop and his Assembly and part of the Oporto area, donated by D. Teresa to the French Bishop D. Hugo and
his successors. Around the cathedral there is a perimeter set by a wall which proved too small to contain the constant urban and
population growth. Therefore, due to the constant exposure to dangers and the difficulty in defending the area, a new wall was erected in
the 14th Century (between the reign of D. Afonso IV and D. Fernando I).
This is one of the signs of expansion which took place in the Middle Ages, although it is not the only great transformation of this period.
Buildings of different importance and status sprang up in many places in the borough, such as convents, religious and administrative
houses, hospices, inns and squares. It is during the reign of D Manuel I, however, that this matter acquires new life, mainly due to the
possibility of permanent residence of nobles within the city limits, and greater still from the 18th Century onwards, with the projection of
the Baroque aesthetic.
The earthquake of 1755 made people aware that cities were deficient and disorganized at a national level. While Lisbon city centre was
being rebuilt, Porto welcomed João de Almada e Melo, a trustworthy man who was a relative of the Marquis of Pombal. His work was of
great importance, particularly with the creation of the Council of Public Works, around 1762, which was the first entity responsible for the
urban development of Oporto. His work was carried on by the corregidor’s son, Francisco de Almeida Mendonça.
35
The issuing of new legislation allowed the beginning of new projects and urban renovation with public interest in mind. Important
intramural works were carried out, namely the reorganisation of Praça da Ribeira, the opening of Rua São João, the creation of Praça de
São Roque (demolished in the mid-19th century to be replaced by Rua Mouzinho da Silveira), the construction of Santo António Hospital,
among others. The 13th Century is, quintessentially, the century of the great civilian buildings, of the public buildings and of the increase
of resident proprietors beyond the city walls.
In the 19th Century it became clear that the growth in population had inevitably led to an increase of taller constructions, mansard roofs
and extensions. A large part of the wall was demolished, as the concept of city confined to a closed perimeter was against the ideals of
the Enlightenment.
With the advent of Liberalism, new urban theories were put to practice. Making use of their power and dynamism, the merchant
bourgeoisie played an important role in the urban reforms brought on by the development of industry. In the second half of the century
the first agrarian speculation begins.
At the beginning of the 20th Century the rapid occupation of the historic centre lead to a concentration of the urban fabric, with visible
needs in terms of infrastructures, which later on, in 1914, lead to the Plan of Improvements and Extension of Oporto City, in which the
British architecture and urban planner Barry Parker’s intervention was fundamental. From 1914 to 1962 there were ten Urban Plans,
which eventually led to Oporto’s Municipal Master Plan, by Robert Auzelle.
The authenticity and enduring image of Oporto are the result of the protection that the Historic Centre has been given by the City Council
and of the investment that it allocates, in order to rehabilitate the degraded buildings, the urban environment and the activities which
create well-being and quality of life for the population in general.
For tourists, visiting the Historic Centre is a must, not only to enjoy the interesting urban landscape, but also the revitalised habitat,
where people live in harmony with the street, the market, the pier, the river, and also in contact with the entire city who come here to
enjoy the riverside area, the pavement cafés, the restaurants, the nightlife and the cultural activities which take place in the several
public places, such as at Ferreira Borges Market, the Traditional Arts Regional Centre, The Municipal Historical Archive, the Stock Market
Palace and former Court of Appeal Prison, to mention but a few of the most important ones.
36
1.3 JUSTIFICATION FOR THE INSCRIPTION
“World Heritage” is a classification awarded by UNESCO (the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organisation). Its primary aim
is to recuperate, protect and defend the cultural natural heritage of our planet.
On December 5th 1996, in the city of Mérida, UNESCO decided to include the Historic Centre of Oporto on the list of World Heritage,
making it part of the itinerary of the great cultural values of Humanity, according to the following criteria of classification:
Excellent example of a type of construction or architecture, technological or landscape ensemble, illustrating one or several significant
periods of the history of Humanity.
37
According to the original document for the inscription proposal, “Both as a city and as human achievement, the Historic Centre of Oporto
represents a masterpiece of Man’s creative genius. Military, commercial, agricultural and demographic interests came together in this
place in order to provide shelter for a population who was capable of building the city. The result is a unique masterpiece of its kind, of
undeniable aesthetic value. This is a collective work which is the result not of one single, isolated work, but of successive contributions.”
1.4 VALUE
Outstanding universal value represents a cultural and/ or natural importance so extraordinary that it transcends national borders. This
pricelessness is as important to the current generations as it is to the future ones, making it an imperative for the international
community to permanently protect this heritage.
“The Committee decided to inscribe the nominated property on the basis of cultural criterion (iv) considering that the site is of
outstanding universal value as the urban fabric and its many historic buildings bear remarkable testimony to the development over the
past thousand years of a European city that looks outward to the west for its cultural and commercial links.”
The awareness upon the value of Oporto Historical City has also led to its classification as Property of Public Interest by IPPAR, including
the almost entire zone classified as World Heritage, as well as part of the protected area.
“The authenticity of Oporto urban fabric is thoroughly genuine. It has witnessed more than two thousand years of occupation, with
successive interventions, which left their imprint as time went by. The ecclesiastic buildings represent many more testimonies of its
history.”
38
CHAPTER II
PROTECTION MECHANISMS
39
CHAPTER II
PROTECTION MECHANISMS
There are different ways of valuing, protecting and preserving heritage as important as the Historic Centre of Oporto. However, there are
other undeniable ways of defending it: using protection mechanisms.
Oporto city is part of a State, which is, itself, part of a broader community, both at European and international level. It is therefore
subjected to varied legal forms, be they local, national, communitarian or international.
Consequently, a community such as that of the Historic Centre of Oporto is ruled by specific norms which allow the entire population to
enjoy a heritage which is simultaneously local and cultural heritage of humanity. Those norms are of differing dimensions and therefore
one tries to include all the protection means in a regular fashion and separated by amplitude, as shown in Annex I.
The most important norms, and of greatest influence in the management, protection and appreciation of the Historic Centre of Oporto
World Heritage, are presented here. First are the norms of International Law, then those of National Law, and finally Local Law.
INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATION
a. World Heritage Convention on the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, Paris, November 16th 1972 (with
the approval for joining via Decree no49/79 of June 6th). It aimed to establish a protection system for the cultural and natural
heritage of outstanding value, on a global scale. Each State signing this convention pledged to ensure the conservation of the
properties located in their territory and to protect their cultural and natural heritage.
NATIONAL
LEGISLATION
b. Policies and System for the Protection and Appreciation of Cultural Heritage (Law no. 107/2001 September 8th).
LOCAL LEGISLATION
40
c. Regulation of Oporto Municipal Master Plan (Council of Ministers’ resolution no 19/2006 of January 26th). Establishes the
rules regarding occupation, use and transformation of Oporto territory, publishing a Charter of Premises. It annexes a list of
buildings of heritage interest and of classified arboreal species, as well as action programmes.
d. Regulatory Code of Oporto City Council (Edition of Oporto City Council, published in “Diário da República” no 56, Series II of
2008-03-19 and annex to Municipal Bulletin no 3720 of August 3rd).
e. Regulation of Vila Nova de Gaia City Council Master Plan (under revision)
LOCAL PLANS
f.
Master Plan – Urban and Social Rehabilitation of Oporto City Centre developed by Porto Vivo SRU, with the main purpose of
promoting interventions which ensure sustainability in its different domains, which respect the identity of the sites where change is
intended, investing in creativity, knowledge and innovation, so as to solve today’s problems, thus ensuring its contemporary
character in the future.
g. Master Plan – Study of Strategic Framework of the Area of Critical Recovery and Urban Reconversion (ACRRU).
41
CHAPTER III
CONTEXT ANALYSIS
42
CHAPTER III
CONTEXT ANALYSIS
3.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE
CONDITION OF BUILDINGS
The development of the Management Plan
coincided with the beginning of a systematic
process of evaluation of the classified area,
corresponding to 50 hectares within in the
parishes of Miragaia, Sé, São Nicolau and
Vitória,
through
the
drawing
up
of
an
exhaustive inventory.
To obtain greater detail in the production and
analysis of information, the 83 quarters were
organised into ten operations (Taipas, São
Francisco, Vitória, Clérigos, Mouzinho/ Flores,
Ribeira/ Barredo, Sé, Avenida da Ponte, São
Bento and Santa Clara), which represent the
whole of the area of this Site, as illustrated in
blueprint 3. This entire area was subject to an
in
loco
analysis,
through
a
process
of
inspection which allowed its characterisation at
different
levels:
state
of
conservation,
occupation, activities, ownership and dynamics
found.
Map nº 3 - Limits Of the Operations
43
Moreover, an inventory of the azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles) on the façades of the buildings of the Historic Centre was carried out,
as can be seen in Annex V.2
3.1.1 REHABILITATION PROGRAMME
There are interventions planned for the entire classified area of the Historic Centre of Oporto. However, in light of the different states of
conservation and the limited resources available, the following chronogram was defined:
2
See Annex V: Inventory of the azulejos in the buildings of the Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage
44
3.1.2. CONSERVATION
The evaluation of the state of conservation of the physical heritage of the Historic Centre World Heritage has obeyed the following criteria:
•
In good condition: building in good state of conservation and use;
•
Fair: building needing maintenance works, such as painting, small repairs at infra-structure level, and/ or cleaning of façades, side
walls, and roof tops;
•
Decaying: building with signs of degradation at infra-structure level, masonry and roof coverings.
•
Advanced state of decay: building cannot be used for reasons of safety and health;
With the inventory of the collection of buildings it was concluded
that this Site consists of 1,976 buildings. 443 buildings are in
good condition, requiring no intervention; 649 are in fair
Conservation state of HCOWH
IN GOOD CONDITION FAIR
DECAYING
ADVANCED STATE OF DECAY RESTORATION WORKS
condition and 575 are decaying. In addition, 78 show an
advanced
state
of
decay
and
51
buildings
are
currently
undergoing restoration works. In conclusion, two thirds of the
buildings are in good or fair condition and only 1/3 are decaying.
45
As far as the geographical distribution is concerned, the graph below gives a clearer view of the areas in best and worst condition:
State of Repair per operation
ADVANCED
STATE OF DECAY
DECAYING
FAIR
IN GOOD CONDITION
RESTORATION WORKS
The area Ribeira/ Barredo has the highest number of buildings in good condition, which is a result of the rehabilitation of this area during
the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, by former CRUARB.
The situation in the Vitória and Sé areas are those which cause more concern, due to the number of buildings that are decaying and in an
advanced state of decay.
46
RESTORATION WORKS – 51 BUILDINGS
GOOD CONDITION – 443 B.
FAIR – 649 B.
DECAYING – 575 B.
ADVANCED STAGE OF DECAY – 78 B.
SET OF DEGRADED BUILDINGS WITH
HERITAGE VALUE
A-CLÉRIGOS
B-S.BENTO D’ AVE MARIA
C-S.BENTO DA VITÓRIA
D-SÉ
E-SANTA CLARA
F-S.JOAO NOVO
G- S.FRANCISCO
AREA TO REGENERATE
LIMIT OF AREA INCLUDED IN
UNESCO LIST
Map nº 4- Conservation State
47
3.1.3. OCCUPATION
In terms of occupation, only 17% of the buildings in the Historic
Centre of Oporto World Heritage are vacant, with almost half of
the existing number of buildings fully occupied. If we add the
Occupation State of HCOWH
VACANT
figure of partial occupation, we can say that 83% of this area is
active.
In terms of distribution of occupation rate per operation, the
situation is quite varied, as shown in the chart below:
Although in no case does the number of vacant buildings equal or
PARTIAL
surpasses those that are inhabited, the Sé operation is the one
which demonstrates the highest number of vacant buildings, with
Ribeira/ Barredo and Vitória being the areas which are the most
occupied.
State of Conservation per
TOTAL
PARTIAL
VACANT
48
WORKS IN PROGRESS – 51 BUILDINGS
TOTAL OCCUPATION - 861 BUILDINGS
PARCIAL OCCUPATION - -591 BUILDINGS
VACANT – 293 BUILDINGS
IN ADVANCED STAGE OF DECAY – 78
BUILDINGS
SET OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS
OF GREAT DIMENSION
A-CLÉRIGOS
B-S.BENTO D’ AVE MARIA
C-S.BENTO DA VITÓRIA
D-SÉ
E-SANTA CLARA
F-S.JOAO NOVO
G- S.FRANCISCO
AREA TO REGENERATE
LIMIT OF AREA
INCLUDED IN UNESCO
LIST
Map nº 5- Occupation map
49
3.1.4. ACTIVITIES
The most common function of buildings is residential on the upper floors, with commercial activity on ground level, with more than 50%
of the buildings fitting this description.
Functions in HCOWH
SHOP+SERVICE
RESIDENTIAL+SERVICE
102
7%
57
4%
RESIDENTIAL
313
21%
SHOP
86
6%
SERVICE
58
4%
RESIDENTIAL+SHOP
747
52%
FACILITIES
86
6%
50
VACANT / ADVANCED STAGE OF DECAY/ WORKS
IN PROGRESS BUILDING
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
OTHER OCCUPATIONS
LIMIT OF AREA INCLUDED
IN UNESCO LIST
Map nº 6- Residential buildings
51
FACILITIES
TRADICIONAL SHOP
CRAFTWORK SHOP
RESTAURANT
BAR E COFFEE SHOP
BANK
EXPOSITIONS
OFFICE
ASSOCIATION
VACANT BUILDING
WAREHOUSE
WORKS EM PROGRESS – 51 BUILDINGS
VACANT – 273 BUILDINGS
IN ADVANCED STAGE OF DECAY – 79 B.
LIMIT OF THE AREA
INCLUDED IN UNESCO LIST
Map nº 7- Type of commercial occupation
52
3.1.5. OWNERSHIP
From the survey carried out on the buildings of the Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage and from the analysis of blueprint 8, as far as
ownership is concerned there are some aspects to observe:
1. Groups of buildings of great value in terms of Architecture and Heritage, belonging to the State or to the Church, most of
them in good or reasonable state of conservation and at the service of the community. However, some infrastructures can be more
active, fulfilling other functions, thus attracting more visitors;
2. Heritage of Foundations and Associations, which play an important role in areas such as education, culture, health care,
supporting different age groups.
3. A significant group of lots owned by the City Council, by Porto Vivo, SRU and by the Parishes, as a result of an intervention in
the urban regeneration of over three decades. An important part of this group of buildings, especially those located in Ribeira/
Barredo have already been rehabilitated and adapted to new residences, commerce and services, while others have a programme
of intervention, within Strategic documents drawn up by Porto Vivo, for example in “Morro da Sé”, “Cardosas Quarter”, “Mouzinho/
Flores”, among others.
4. Private ownership represents a large percentage, usually smaller buildings, with different types of use, which are mainly
residential. These buildings are generally either in a fair state of conservation or decaying.
53
PORTUGUESE STATE
CHURCH + RELIGIOUS ORDERS
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL+PORTO VIVO
SOCIETY+CIVIL PARISHES
FOUNDATIONS + ASSOCIATIONS
PRIVATE PROPERTY
“AV. DA PONTE” PROJECT
LIMIT OF THE AREA INCLUDED IN THE
UNESCO LIST
Map nº 8- Type of the Property
54
3.1.6. DYNAMICS
After the analysis of the state of conservation, occupation and the existing activities of the Historic Centre of Oporto, different dynamics,
already implemented and growing, were identified. The cases of the Infante, Clérigos and Sé zones serve as good examples, where there
are some buildings of unique religious and historical value, making these sites undeniably important in terms of culture and tourism.
We would also like to highlight São Domingos, with works in progress at Palácio das Artes – Fábrica de Talentos (Arts Palace – Factory of
Talents) and the presence of Escola Superior Artística do Porto (Oporto Art College), forming a creative economy and attracting young
talents to the whole area.
The Oporto Customs building and platform upon which it is located also constitutes a crucial resource for the sustainable development of
the Historic Centre of Oporto, even though a great part of that platform and the building itself is located in the buffer zone, outside the
classified Site.
This is the only large free area, located on the river bank, and also the largest building in the riverine front of Oporto.
The enormous potential of this infrastructure deserves to be better used, so solutions should be found in order to overcome the current
limitations that the Museum of Transport and Communications (MTC) presently faces in terms of its museological capacity, which includes
large permanent collections
In order to stimulate, boost and expand the emerging cluster of creative industries, the Portuguese Catholic University has recently shown
an interest in using the Customs Building for a project whose objective is the coordinated building of the following structures:
A. Infrastructure for Creative Training and Production that simultaneously houses:
An incubator for 15 multidisciplinary company projects, in which one of the main eligibility criteria is the complementary character
of the remaining projects;
A advanced training centre made up of three training laboratories (Audio Production, Video and Multimedia) for short ad mediumlength courses, certified by the main brands in audiovisual tools;
55
A research centre for Arts science and technology, as well as residence for Artists, with capacity for 30 researchers and 5 resident
artists.
B. A Multimedia Square as a public “display”, catalyst for the inherent creativity of a Cutting-Edge Art and Culture
Programme, including:
A public multimedia presentation centre for an Artistic and Cultural programme for the community, with a multichannel
image and sound system, consisting of several large video screens coordinated with a surround-sound system, can provide
a sound and image rich stage for the public.
A leisure and restaurant/ bar area with permanent public access in coordination with the cultural and artistic programme.
This area should have in open and covered space;
The goal is to create a popular attraction for the region on a national and international level, thus boosting productions and
stimulating public presentations of up and coming creative work from a wide range of institutions using new cutting-edge
technological media.
Blueprint 9 characterises the current situation:
56
MORE DYNAMIC
LESS DYNAMIC
Map nº 9- Dynamics
LIMIT OF THE AREA
INCLUDED IN THE UNESCO
LIST
57
3.1.7.
THE INTERVENTION OF PORTO VIVO, SRU
Porto Vivo, SRU - Sociedade de Reabilitação Urbana da Baixa Portuense S.A., is a public company, with participation from the Portuguese
State (I.H.R.U. - Institute of Housing and Urban Rehabilitation) and Oporto City Council. Its mission is to manage the urban rehabilitation
process of Oporto city centre, according to the stipulations in Decree-Law 104/2004, of May 7th.
Founded on November 27th 2004, Porto Vivo, SRU manages the process, develops the intervention strategy and serves as mediator
between proprietors and investors, between landlords and tenants, and, if necessary, assumes the responsibility of the operation of
rehabilitation, making use of the legal means at its service.
The company’s public document of registration contains the following, “Limited company called "Porto Vivo, SRU - Sociedade de
Reabilitação Urbana da Baixa Portuense S.A.” , whose objective is to promote the rehabilitation and reconversion of the degraded heritage
in the Critical Area of Recovery and Urban Reconversion of Oporto City, according to decision of the City Council and Municipal Assembly.
The Critical Area of Recovery and Urban Reconversion includes about 1000 ha, i.e., about a quarter of Oporto. For operational reasons it
is delimited to a smaller area, denominated Priority Intervention Zone (Z.I.P.), where urban rehabilitation efforts will be concentrated.
The Priority Intervention Zone includes an area of about 500 ha, whose boundaries are, roughly, the River Douro - South, Praça do
Marquês/ Constituição - North, Rua da Restauração/ Carvalhosa - West and Bonfim - East. It includes the Historic Centre of Oporto,
classified as World Heritage and the respective buffer zone.
After several studies regarding the characterisation of the buildings, of the population and the economic fabric of Oporto City Centre and
of its Historic Centre, it was possible to define five major objectives for Porto Vivo, SRU:
Rehabilitation of Oporto City Centre;
Developing and promoting business in Oporto City Centre;
Revitalising commerce;
Encouraging tourism, culture and leisure;
58
Improving the public domain;
The operational model of Porto Vivo, Sociedade de Reabilitação Urbana da Baixa Portuense, is legally defined in Decree-Law no 104/2004,
of May 7th.
S.R.U. companies (Urban Rehabilitation Companies) are governed by the same conditions as municipal companies or the State enterprise
sector, depending on whether the majority of the capital stock is held by the Council or by the State.
Among other roles, SRU companies can:
License and authorise urban operations;
Confiscate properties and associated rights for urban rehabilitation, as well as constitute administrative processes for the same
purposes;
Re-house;
Inspect works of urban rehabilitation, meeting the responsibilities foreseen in section IV of chapter III of the legal requirements of
urban operations and construction, approved by Decree-Law no 555/99, of December 16th, as currently published, except for the
application of administrative sanctions due to sanctionary infraction, which remains the responsibility of the City Council.
Fulfil the responsibilities stipulated in paragraph b) of no 1 of article 42, in no 2 of article 44 and in no 46, all of which from the
Land Act.
Porto Vivo, SRU’s work is based on the creation of the Master Plan, which is a document that functions as the framework and guidelines
for the urban rehabilitation of Oporto City Centre, with a definition of respective objectives and goals to be achieved, as well as strategy
and operational tools.
The adoption of a clear strategy is fundamental in order to make the necessary changes to Oporto City Centre, from a physical, economic
and social perspective, but also to gather resources, take advantage of opportunities and to reduce risks.
59
The Master Plan is also a communication tool in terms for an instrument of communication with public opinion, with the populations
involved, the institutions, the investors and, in general terms, with the agents of change.
Consequently, the Master Plan is not a typical planning instrument, with rigid and strict rules. Instead, it contains guidelines and
procedures which aim to change the current situation, based upon its capacity to influence and win over the agents of change.
The following programmes and urban studies carried out by Porto Vivo, SRU are worth highlighting:
Urban study of the priority intervention area in Aliados;
Sé rehabilitation programme, part of PIA (Priority Intervention Area) Sé-Vitória;
Rehabilitation Programme of Mouzinho/ Flores Area.
Porto Vivo, SRU has recently launched an Ideas Contest for the Revitalisation of the Riverfront in the Priority Intervention Zone, aimed at
finding and awarding a prize to a common, coherent and transversal idea, as well as programmatic and physical solutions which prove
innovative, viable and sustainable from an economical-financial perspective and functions as the cornerstones of the improvements on the
riverfront between D. Pedro V Street and Maria Pia Bridge, at the following levels:
Redevelopment of the River Douro bank and waterfront path;
Reorganization of the urban fabric through the filling of gaps, specific projects for the available containers, the rehabilitation of the
surrounding buildings and the creation of an urban park in the area of the Guindais Slope;
Creation of physical and non-material connections between the Riverfront, City Centre and the city of Oporto;
Promotion of tourism, culture and entertainment and other economically compatible activities, thus turning the Riverfront into a
permanent attraction for both residents and visitors.
A set of incentives to promote urban rehabilitation was created, which can be seen in Annex II.
It is also its responsibility to draw up strategic documents for specific intervention units, which define the following parameters:
Buildings to rehabilitate and the degree of work planned;
60
Reference to the corresponding proprietors;
Basic intervention projects, where the strategic options in terms of rehabilitation are described in terms of housing, access,
facilities, infrastructures or public areas, whenever the intervention includes these areas. A summary explaining the reasons for the
options should be provided, so as to reflect the balance struck of the several relevant public interests;
Planning and estimated budget for the operations;
Reference to possible agents interested in cooperating with the proprietors in improving the property.
Inspection report for each of the buildings, identifying the corresponding state of conservation in terms of safety, health and
aesthetics.
There are different strategic documents for the Historic Centre of Oporto, which include four different operations: Morro da Sé, Mouzinho/
Flores, Clérigos and Vitória.
Despite its dense construction, Morro da Sé provides a number of available areas and vacant buildings which, together with the respective
strategic documents and the operations which have applied for QREN funding, will facilitate an intense rehabilitation which will positively
contribute to attracting inhabitants and business, for the preservation and enrichment of the respective architectural heritage, as well as
the appreciation of urban, landscape and tourist aspects.
The quarters which are part of the Mouzinho/ Flores operation house a great number of vacant or partially occupied buildings that are
seriously ageing and falling disuse. However, they have great potential to house new high-quality and comfortable residences, hotels, new
companies, a whole range of quality services and commerce which residents, young people, tourists and visitors will find attractive.
Improvements in public areas, the rehabilitation of run-down buildings and the revitalisation of commerce are vital for improving this
zone. Strategies and proposals which envisage a new dynamic for this entire area have been drawn up and included in the strategic
documents, ones which will have a powerful, positive influence upon surrounding areas.
With the significant number of works in progress, this new dynamic is already visible, namely in Mouzinho da Silveira Street, with the
adapting of large buildings which were in disuse, such as the Edifício Douro, in order to host the “Palácio das Artes – Fábrica de Talentos
(Palace of Arts and Factory of Talents)”, Palace of Ferrazes, which will be converted into a hotel and the demand for spaces to set up
businesses in the creative industry sector.
61
The entire Clérigos Operation is part of the Priority Intervention Areas and it is undoubtedly one with a strong link to Oporto City Centre,
very close to areas showing signs of important improvements, such as Cordoaria Zone, Leões, Praça de Lisboa and Miguel Bombarda.
It includes a set of buildings in the proximity of Ruas dos Caldeireiros and Rua de Trás which is in very bad state but still possesses great
historical and architectural value.
This operation is urgent and the respective rehabilitation might benefit from other projects already underway in this zone, such as the
rehabilitation of the Cardosas Quarter, the Project for the Rehabilitation of Praça de Lisboa, with implementation of a leisure and culture
area, as well as the creation of shop windows facing the exterior of the Square, which will contribute to creating a new dynamic that was
previously lacking.
The Vitória Operation is entirely part of Vitória PIA area (Priority Intervention Area). Its rehabilitation is very important, given its wideranging potential, with residential and commercial areas, as well as others in the field of education, creative industries and tourism, which
will allow a strong revitalisation of this zone and maintain the vitality of the Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage.
The summary of the entire intervention by Porto Vivo, SRU in the Historic Centre of Oporto is presented in blueprint 10.
62
AREA OF PRIORITY
INTERVENTION (AIP)
ABCDEF-
SÉ VITÓRIA
ALIADOS
INFANTE
CARLOS ALBERTO
POVEIROS/S. LÁZARO
REPÚBLICA
BLOCKS WITH APPROVED
STRATEGIC DOCUMENT
BLOCKS WITH APPROVED
STRATEGIC PROJECT
BLOCKS WITH STRATEGIC
PROJECT EM PROGRESS
CURRENT PROCESSES
NEXT BLOCKS
FUTURE UNITIES OF
INTERVENTION
ZONE OF PRIORITY
INTERVENTION (ZIP)
Map nº 10- Interventions of “Porto Vivo” Society
LIMIT OF THE AREA
INCLUDED IN THE UNESCO
LIST
63
3.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE HERITAGE OF UNIQUE VALUE AND MUSEOLOGICAL AREAS
3.2.1 HERITAGE OF UNIQUE VALUE
The concept of Historic Centre, within the European context, has a strong symbolic meaning that is usually related to what is understood
to be “city identity”, both as reference to a community of citizens of the same urban area and as a “summarised image of the city for the
visitor”.
It normally means a densely built, highly compact space, where certain prominent properties stand out, as a result of their volume and
importance in terms of heritage, art and history, and which, therefore, deserve special protection and attention.
Blueprint 11 presents the individual buildings classified as National Monument (NM), Property of Public Interest (PPI) and Property of
Municipal Interest (PMI), which constitute the area of World Heritage, as well as the entire buffer zone.
The following tables give greater detail on Heritage Classified buildings located in the Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage, including
information about their classification, location, dating, creators and historical and artistic description.
64
CLASSIFIED HERITAGE – NATIONAL
MONUMENT
CLASSIFIED HERITAGE MONUMENT OF PUBLIC INTEREST
HERITAGE IN CLASSIFICATION
PRIMITIVE WALL
FERDINAND WALL
LIMIT OF THE AREA
INCLUDED IN THE UNESCO
LIST
Map nº 11- Buildings with outstanding universal value
65
VITÓRIA PARISH
66
CASA DOS FERRAZES BRAVOS OR CASA DOS MAIAS’
16th/ 18th centuries (alterations to the façade and construction of chapel/ 19th century (extension)
Nicolau Nasoni Architect (alterations – attrib.)
This is a large building made up of a shop, upper-shop and first floor, whose 16th century character was radically changed by work two centuries later.
The main baroque-style façade displays eight large windows topped by triangular shapes, with forged iron balcony railings, two of which partially
obstructed by the large coat of arms showing the broken shields of the Bravos and Ferrazes.
Inside the building there is a large granite staircase and in the halls there are plaster-sculpted ceilings.
The building is U-shaped, with a rear patio paved with granite, where a baroque fountain is supposed to have been. This patio houses a chapel, believed
to have been designed by Nicolau Nasoni’s. The Casa dos Ferrazes Bravos is classified as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE NO 45/93, OF NOVEMBER 30TH
67
CHURCH AND MONASTERY OF S. BENTO DA VITÓRIA
1604 - c. 1790
Diogo Marques Lucas, Architect
São Bento da Vitória Monastery is a Mannerist structure that stands out on Oporto’s urban landscape. Founded in 1598, construction began in 1604,
according to the King’s Architect Diogo Marques Lucas’ plans, disciple of Filipe Terzi. However, it was only concluded at the end of the next century.
Between 1716 and 1719 wood carver Gabriel Rodrigues created the main retable, in national style, as well as the choir chairs. At the same time Friar
Manuel de São Bento renovated the organs of choir section – which dated from 1662- then perfected by Friar Manuel Domingos de São José Varella
(1783-1786). The retables of the transept are by master-wood carver José da Fonseca e Lima (1755). The neoclassical chairs of the main chapel were
built between 1789 and 1792. In 1809, at the time of the French Invasions, the Monastery served as a Military Hospital. Later on, between 1832 and
1852, it hosted the Civil Parish, as it was severely damaged. Expropriated and looted in 1834, it hosted judicial courts, Oporto’s Governing Committee
and Hunters Battalion no 9 (1846-1847). The Monastery is currently divided among the Benedictine Monks, Oporto District Archive and Music National
Centre. Classified as a National Monument.
DECREE NO 129/77, OF SEPTEMBER 29TH
MISERICÓRDIA CHURCH OF OPORTO
1555/1748 (alteration)
Manuel Luís, master-mason / Nicolau Nasoni, Architect (alteration)
In 1499 Dom Manuel I founded Oporto’s Misericórdia, a religious charity, which was housed in the cloisters of Oporto’s Cathedral until 1559. In 1544, the
Brotherhood of N.ª Sr.ª da Misericórdia chose Rua das Flores for the construction of their own temple, immediately carrying out the works of the Casa de
Despacho and of the Friary. The Church’s construction would begin in 1555. Richly funded by Dom Lopo de Almeida, Misericórdia was able to build a new
main chapel, with master-mason Manuel Luís following the plan of Jerónimos Monastery closely.
In the mid-18th Century, Nicolau Nasoni renovated the nave and designed the new façade (1754-1779), which was part of Oporto’s Baroque, for its
grandiosity and for the dense, profound, flowery decoration. In São João Baptista Chapel there is a panel by António Carneiro, who also created a
painting for the retable of Ecce Homo. In the Crucified Christ Chapel, Manuel A. De Moura painted the retable of the Crucifixion. Left of the São João
Chapel there are marble funeral urns of João Teixeira Guimarães and Dom Lopo de Almeida. Classified as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE NO 129/77, OF NOVEMBER 22ND
68
PALACIO DO TRIBUNAL DAA RELAÇÃO AND OPORTO PRISON
1767-1796 /1995
Eugénio dos Santos e Carvalho, Military-Engineer
In 1582, Dom Filipe I (II of Spain) granted Oporto its own Court of Appeal, next to which a prison was built. The building was seriously damaged by the
Earthquake of 1755, so its reconstruction was imperative. In 1767, Eugénio dos Santos e Carvalho, the celebrated man behind the Pombaline
reconstruction of Lisbon City Centre, was commissioned to design the new building. The irregular polygonal plan was adapted to the small area between
São Bento da Vitória Monastery and the body of the Wall (later demolished). In the North angle, there is the Olival Fountain. The prison was used until
1974, despite the reports about poor conditions. Many famous people were imprisoned here, such as Camilo Castelo Branco and Ana Plácido, whom Dom
Pedro V paid a visit; the famous bandit Zé do Telhado, on his way to African exile; or even some of the political-military leaders of the Northern
Monarchy, defeated in 1919. In the 1990s, it was restored by IPPAR carried out it restoration, according to the designs of Architect Humberto Vieira.
Classified as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE NO 22619, OF JUNE 2ND 1933
SÃO JOSÉ DAS TAIPAS CHURCH
1795/1878
Carlos da Cruz Amarante, Engineer
São José das Taipas Revered Brotherhood was founded in 1633 and in 1666 it was associated with São Nicolau Tolentino das Almas Confrary. In 1716
they were separated again: Taipas Brotherhood moved to some houses in Rua das Taipas and the Friary continued to meet at São João Novo Convent
Church. In 1780 they were reunited, when the Friary moved to the Taipas Church, now renamed as Capela das Almas (Souls Chapel) and São José das
Taipas. In 1755, Dom João da Silva ordered the transfer of the images of Nª Srª da Vitória Parochial Church, which was terribly run-down. In 1975
Carlos da Cruz Amarante was in charge of designing a new temple, which was blessed in 1818 by Dom João de Magalhães, Bishop of Oporto. However,
it would only be concluded in 1878. Nonetheless, it served the Parochial Church for some time, due to the continuing poor state of conservation of N.ª
Sr.ª da Vitória Church. From 1996 on, major restoration works and cleaning have taken place. Classified as a Property of Public Interest.
DECREE NO 28/82, OF FEBRUARY 26TH
69
CLÉRIGOS CHURCH AND TOWER
1731 (project) / 1732-1858 (Church) / 1750-1763 (Tower) / 1753-1758 (House)
Nicolau Nasoni, Architect
The Clérigos Church and Tower are veritable ex-libris of the city of Oporto, benefiting scenographic and Baroque terms from the uneven nature of the
terrain that emphasises it monumental characteristics. It was founded by the Clérigos Brotherhood, which had been created from the unification of
Cérigos Pobres Brotherhood with the Friaries of N.ª Sr.ª da Misericórdia and São Pedro ad Vincula. Housed in Misericórdia Church, the Brotherhood
obtained the license for the construction of their temple (1731), which was designed by Nicolau Nasoni.
The stonemasonry was done by António Pereira – working on the construction of the Cathedral with Nasoni, later on replaced by master-carver Miguel
Francisco da Silva. In 1746 Nasoni was admitted as Secular Brother of the Brotherhood, in whose temple he would eventually be buried. The Church
was blessed in 1748; in the following year the construction of the Inn began and, in 1750, the Bell Tower. The main retable, which was designed by
Architect Manuel dos Santos Porto (1767-1780), and the organ, designed by Dom Sebastião Ciais Ferraz da Cunha (1774), are in Rococo style. In the
General Office the panel of N.ª Sr.ª da Assunção, by José Teixeira Guimarães (1762), can be found. Classified as a National Monument.
DECREE OF JUNE 16TH 1910, PUBLISHED IN DIÁRIO DO GOVERNO NO 136, OF JUNE 23RD 1910.
BUILDING IN RUA DE MIGUEL , NO. 2 AND 4
17th/18th Centuries
Building of moderate proportions, with 3 floors, classified as Property of Public Interest.
The main façade is modest yet interesting in style with 18th-century tiles bearing scenes of daily life and landscapes, describing episodes of Our Lady’s
life.
According to some specialists, the tiles are the only elements which remained from the lavish decoration of the capitulary room of São Bento da Vitória
Monastery.
DECREE NO 44675 OF NOVEMBER 9TH 1962
70
SÉ PARISH
71
SÉ DO PORTO (OPORTO CATHEDRAL)
Terreiro da Sé
12th Century (construction) / 14th – 16th – 17th – 18th Centuries (alterations) / 1927 – 1949 (restoration)
Built in the 19th century, upon the temple of Civitas de Portucale. In Romanesque style, its decoration stems from Limousin’s French architecture.
The Gothic cloister dates from 1383 and the Chapel of São João Evangelista from the 14th century. The main chapel was extended in Mannerist style
(1606-1610), with the streets behind the chancel having been altered. Also in Mannerist style is the Chapel of Santíssimo Sacramento, as well as the
Silver Altar, by goldsmiths Manuel Teixeira, Manuel Guedes and Bartolomeu Nunes (1631-1682). From 1717 to 1741 the Baroque modernisation took
place: under the guidance of António Pereira, big windows were created and retables with carvings and plaster were erected; the church porch was
built on the E façade. The main retable is by Luís Pereira da Costa and Miguel Francisco da Silva (1729); Nicolau Nasoni painted the frescos in
trompe-l’oeil of the main chapel (1731) and worked on the porch (1736) and in the vestry; António Vital Rifardo made the cloister tiles, with scenes
from the book Cântico dos Cânticos (1727). Teixeira Lopes (father) sculpted the bronze of Christ’s Baptism in the Baptismal Chapel (1897). Between
1927 and 1949, Direcção-Geral dos Edifícios e Monumentos Nacionais (General Directorate of Buildings and National Monuments), under the direction
of Architect Baltazar Castro, removed the changes of the Baroque renovation, in an idealised reconstitution of a medieval cathedral. Classified as a
National Monument.
DECREE OF JUNE 16TH 1910, PUBLISHED IN DIÁRIO DO GOVERNO
NO 136, OF JUNE 23RD 1910
72
OPORTO’S EPISCOPAL HOUSE
Terreiro da Sé
14th century (remains) / 1772-1871
Nicolau Nasoni, Architect (attribution of project) / Miguel Francisco da Silva, Architect (execution)
The primitive building, dating back to the 12th century, was renovated throughout its life and there are still some visible remains. Nicolau Nasoni
projected its redevelopment (1734), but the work only started in 1771-1793, with Dom Frei João Rafael de Mendonça. Baroque in style, particularly in
the central area of the main façade by the door, balcony of the main floor and coat of arms (Mendonça Arch); and in the interior in the colourful
plaster work of the staircase and reception halls. During the Seige of Oporto (1832), it was damaged by mortars, and later on repaired, between
1843-1854; but the South-west angle would only be finished between 1868-1871. In 1916 it was used by Oporto City Hall, which remained there until
the construction of the New City Council Building (1956). It is classified as a National Monument.
DECREE OF JUNE 16TH 1910, PUBLISHED IN DIÁRIO DO GOVERNO
NO 136, OF JUNE 23RD 910
LARGO DA SÉ FOUNTAIN/ SÃO MIGUEL-O-ANJO FOUNTAIN
Terreiro da Sé
1737
Nicolau Nasoni, Architect (attribution)
Built in the 18th century and designed by Nicolau Nasoni’s, it was located close to Arco da Vandoma. With the demolition of this Arch, (1855), it was
transferred to its present location. In Baroque style, the central column is a standout feature, with an image of São Miguel-o-Anjo directly above.
Classified as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE NO 11454, OF FEBRUARY 19TH 1926
73
HOUSE BEHIND THE SÉ OR DR. DOMINGOS BARBOSA’S /
GUERRA JUNQUEIRO HOUSE-MUSEUM
32, Rua Dom Hugo
c. 1730/1997 (renovation)
Nicolau Nasoni, Architect (attribution) / Alcino Soutinho, Architect (renovation)
Built between 1730 and 1746 by Oporto’s Cathedral Magisterial Canon, Dr. Domingos Barbosa, following Nicolau Nasoni’s plans. This building made a
break with traditional street alignment, with a Baroque influence. It eventually became the property of the Canon’s heirs; in 1934, Dona Maria Isabel
Guerra Junqueiro – the poet’s daughter – housed her father’s collections here and donated them to Oporto City Council. At the end of the 1990s the
house was renovated by Architect Alcino Soutinho. Classified as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE NO 129/77, OF SEPTEMBER 29TH.
SENHOR DOS PASSOS OR SÃO SEBASTIÃO CHAPEL
Rua de São Sebastião
17th century
Part of a number of the Via-Sacra oratories – or Senhor do Passos procession – of which São Francisco Chapel still remains – close to the Church with the
same name, in the Ribeira area. São Sebastião Chapel belonged to São Lourenço College (often called ‘Grilos’), controlled by the Jesuits, whose
monogram IHS is visible on the facade. Classified as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE NO 95/78 OF SEPTEMBER 12TH
74
SANTA CLARA CHURCH
Largo de 1º de Dezembro
15th century
In line with the Sacra Religionis Papal Edict (12.II.1405), the nuns of Santa Clara de Entre-os-Rios Convent were able to be transferred to Oporto. In
1416 construction work began, but took many years. It benefited from the protection of the King, as well as from Oporto’s bishops, consequently
accumulating wealth and privileges. The church was built in Gothic style, bearing a Manueline gateway, where two niches house the images of Santa
Clara and São Francisco de Assis. In contrast, there is a Mannerist one, (1697), which gives access to the convent areas, which is under the protection of
Nossa Senhora da Conceição. The interior of the church is a hall-nave, covered with gilded carving, bearing works by master-carver Francisco Miguel da
Silva (1730).
On the main altar there is a panel by Joaquim Rafael (1821). With the approval of the Act dismantling Religious Orders (1834), it survived until the death
of the last nun (1901). The church is classified as a National Monument.
DECREE OF JUNE 16TH 1910, PUBLISHED IN DIÁRIO DO GOVERNO, NO 136, OF JUNE 23RD 1910.
75
SÃO BENTO RAILWAY STATION
Praça de Almeida Garrett / Rua da Madeira / Rua do Loureiro
1900
José Marques da Silva, Architect / Juan Pina, painter / Jorge Colaço, tile-painter
Built upon the site of the São Bento de Ave-Maria Convent, whose construction had been ordered by Dom Manuel I, bringing together the Monasteries of
São Cristóvão de Rio Tinto (Gondomar), São Salvador de Vila Cova de Sandim (Vila Nova de Gaia), São Salvador de Tuías (Marco de Canaveses) and
Santa Maria de Taroquela (Cinfães) (1518-1535). Extended and renovated throughout the centuries, it was one of the country’s main monastic houses.
Included in the Act dismantling Religious Orders (1834), it eventually closed, with the death of the last nun, in the late 19th century. After the projects of
Engineer H. de Baer, a study by Architect Marques da Silva was approved, renovated in 1899 and 1902. The works started immediately in 1902. Inside it
was decorated with tiles by Jorge Colaço (1905), representing historic customs and allegorical scenes. Classified as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE NO 67/97, OF DECEMBER 31ST
SÃO JOÃO THEATRE
Praça da Batalha/ Rua do Cativo/ Travesso do Cativo/ Travessa do Cimo de Vila| 1909-1918 | José Marques da Silva, Architect / João Carreira, Architect (renovation)
The monument is the heir of former Príncipe Theatre, inaugurated in 1798 at the behest of Francisco de Almada e Mendonça, which burnt down on April
11th, 1908. A public tender for its reconstruction took place and the winning proposal was beaux-arts influenced project presented by Architect José
Marques da Silva. The work took place between 1910 and 1918 and involved sculptors Diogo de Macedo and Sousa Caldas (Generosity, Pain, Hate and
Love), Joaquim Gonçalves da Silva (friezes and masks of lateral facades), painters Acácio Lino and José de Brito, as well as master-plasterer António
Baganha. It was inaugurated on March 7th 1920, with Verdi’s Aida opera. In 1932, a projection booth was built, which then began operating as the São
João Cinema. It was bought by the State in 1992, and renovated between 1995 and 1998 by Architect João Carreira, who won that year’s João Almada
Award. It is classified as Property of Public Interest and is currently under process of reclassification as a National Monument.
DECREE NO 28/82 OF FEBRUARY 26TH
76
SÃO NICOLAU PARISH
77
FERNANDINE WALL
Muro Bacalhoeiros / Rua de Cima de Muro / Cais da Ribeira
1336-1376 / 18th Century (alterations)
Commissioned by King Dom Afonso IV, in 1336, and concluded in 1376, during the reign of Dom Fernando I, whose name it took. It was made up of high
walls, with cubic turrets and towers, as well as several doors, located at strategic points in the city. In the São Nicolau parish there were two doors and
nine arched-doors; From East to West: Porta Nova (New Door), arched-doors of Banhos, Pereira, Terreirinho, Carvão and Peixe, Porta da Ribeira
(Ribeira’s Door) and the arched-doors of Pelourinho, Forca, Madeira and Areia. Today only the Carvão arched-doors remains, but the most important one
was Porta Nova, or Porta Nobre (Noble Door), which Dom Manuel I ordered to be built upon the former Miragaia arched door, so as to make the city
entrance more noble. Despite being renovated at the end of the 18th century, it ended up being demolished in the 19th century, due to modern policies
of urban modernisation. In 1777-1778, the Ribeira arches were built, permanently transforming a large part of the old Fernandine Wall. Classified as a
National Monument.
DECREE NO 11454, OF FEBRUARY 19TH 1926
78
PILLARS OF PÊNSIL BRIDGE (FORMER DONA MARIA II BRIDGE)
Cais da Ribeira
1841-1843
Estanislau Bigot, Engineer (project) / José Victorino Damásio, Engineer (inspector)
Crossing the River Douro has always been a problem for the city’s authorities. In 1841 a public tender was launched for the construction of a bridge
which would replace the unsuccessful, short-lived Barcas Bridge (Barges Bridge), (1806-1809), with the Bigot’s projects proving the winners. The
work lasted until 1843, opening to traffic on February 17th.
The bridge is named after the fact that it is suspended by eight thick chains made of burnt iron and with a thick varnish covering to prevent rust.
Between the two granite pillars on each of the banks there was a two-storey house. The bottom floor opened directly to the bridge through three
doors and the top floor had a balcony with a forged iron railing. Its bottom floor hosted the military guard’s headquarters on the Oporto riverside. The
Pensil Bridge was built 10 metres above the river and was closed in 1887 and replaced by the D. Luís I Bridge. They are classified as Property of
Public Interest.
DECREE NO28/82, OF FEBRUARY 26TH
ALMINHAS DA PONTE (MONUMENT TO DEAD SOULS)
Cais da Ribeira
1897
José Joaquim Teixeira Lopes (father), sculptor
Religious monument which recalls the French Armies entering Oporto on March 29th 1809, at the time of the 2nd French Invasion, led by General
Soult. This invasion led to the flight of Oporto’s riverine population, causing the Barcas Bridge tragedy, in which thousands of people drowned.
Classified as Property of Municipal Interest.
DECREE NO 28/82, OF FEBRUARY 26TH
79
LUIZ I BRIDGE
At low level : Avenida Gustavo Eiffel/ Cais da Ribeira (São Nicolau, Oporto) / Avenida de Diogo Leite (Santa Marinha, Vila Nova de Gaia); at high level: Avenida de Vímara
Peres (Sé / Porto) / Avenida da República (Mafamude, Vila Nova de Gaia)
1886
Theophile Seyrig, Engineer (project) / Arthur Maury, Engineer (works director) /
José Macedo Araújo Júnior, Engineer (inspector).
Built in 1886 to replace the Dona Maria II Bridge (Pensil Bridge), it was designed by French engineer Theophile Seyrig, who had worked at Gustav Eiffel’s
studio. He was assisted by engineers Arthur Maury (works director) and José Macedo Júnior (inspector). It was inaugurated on 31.10.1886, by the very
King it was named after. D. Luiz I Bridge is one of the greatest examples of Iron Art, which Oporto had many examples of during the last decades of the
19th century. Classified as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE NO 28/82, OF FEBRUARY 26TH
RUA DE SÃO JOÃO FOUNTAIN / PRAÇA DA RIBEIRA FOUNTAIN
Praça da Ribeira
1784-1786/2000
John Whitehead (attribution) / João Cutileiro, sculptor (São João Baptista)
Built according to a plan to make Praça da Ribeira Square monumental – which was intended to be Oporto’s great attraction – its design can be
attributed to John Whitehead, British Consul in Porto and personal friend of João de Almada e Mello’s. Classified as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE Nº 28536 OF MARCH 22ND 1938
80
URBAN ENSEMBLE OF PRAÇA DA RIBEIRA AND ITS NATURAL EXTENSIONS
18th Century
From very early times populations came to live by the River Douro and dedicated themselves to activities related to it, building on a parallel area to the
Douro. The Vila River dividing it into two sections, which would later become Rua da Fonte Taurina and Rua da Lada.
On the other hand, the Vila River valley was used as an access from Ribeira, an urban area with commercial and fishing activities, to Morro da Sé, an
area of administrative and religious functions. That access eventually turned into Mercadores Street.
This area was the access not only to the higher part of the city, but also the one that linked the Douro to the North and Eastbound roads. It is in the
confluence of these two parts that will make for an open space, which connects the two and links them with the River Douro: Ribeira Square.
The current Rua Infante D. Henrique Street, formerly named Rua Nova, Rua Formosa and Rua dos Ingleses, constitutes a second thoroughfare further
back, parallel to the River Douro, which was opened up due to D. João I’s intentions of reorganising Riverine urbanism.
From the second half of the 18th century the street is met perpendicularly on its Eastern section by Rua de S. João. This street was opened to facilitate
the access to Praça da Ribeira coming from Largo S. Domingos and Rua de Santa Catarina das Flores, one of the most important of the city’s
thoroughfares since the 16th Century. The opening of Rua de S. João was an integral part of the improvements to the Praça da Ribeira, which gave it
very much the look it has today. The whole ensemble is classified as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE NO 516/71 OF NOVEMBER 22ND
FORMER “RESTAURANTE COMERCIAL”
Rua do Infante Dom Henrique, nos 75/79
18th century (building) / 1907 (Restaurant)
Manuel de Oliveira, master-builder.
Inaugurated in 1894 by Spanish Manuel Recarey Antello, this restaurant became famous for its cuisine – especially its English-style Steak – which
attracted clients from the worlds of politics, art and literature. It was open for business until the 1960, when it was taken over by the Mira partnership,
which introduced some minor changes. Later, it housed an branch of the Pinto & Sotto Mayor Bank. The façade still has its forged iron framing. Classified
as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE NO 29/84, OF JUNE 25TH
81
INFANTE’S HOUSE/ FORMER CUSTOMS HOUSE
10, Rua da Alfândega / 1325-1354 (construction) / 1628 and 1677 (Works) / 1894 (Main Entrance Stone) / 1923 (extension of floors) / 1958-1960 (restoration) | 1994
(redevelopment) | João Eanes Melacho (14th century) / Marquês de Fronteira (1677) / Rogério dos Santos Azevedo, Architect (1958-1960) / Nuno Jennings Tasso de Sousa,
Architect (2001)
Former quarters of the treasurer of Alfândega do Porto (Oporto Customs), the building was constructed from 1325 onwards, being used as customs
warehouse in 1354. During the reign of Dom Fernando I, it hosted Casa da Moeda (the Royal Mint), which operated until 1587, eventually closed by Act
of 1607 and reopened in 1688. On 4th March, 1394 Infante Dom Henrique was born here, which made many future generations of Oporto people very
proud. In 1628, firstly, and then in 1656, great works were carried out in the Mint and also in the Customs House, although the major works took place in
1677, with the extension of the building. From 1860, the Customs House gradually became less used, with services being transferred to a new building
which had been built in Miragaia. In 1894, commemorating the five hundredth anniversary of Infante Dom Henrique´s birth, a stone tablet was unveiled
above the main door. A series of works on the building followed, which added an extra floor (1923) and renovated the structure and areas (1958-1960).
From then on it has housed Oporto’s Municipal Historical Archive, which would promote another series of works (2001). Classified as National Monument.
DECREE NO 9888 OF JUNE 2ND 1933
ACT HOUSE OF SÃO FRANCISCO ORDER
Rua do Infante Dom Henrique
1746-1749
Nicolau Nasoni, Architect (design) / António da Silva de Carvalho, master-mason (execution)
A Baroque building which was constructed on the site of the cemetery of Terceiro de São Francisco in 1745, by master-masons António da Silva de
Carvalho, Pedro Pereira and Manuel Pereira. Inside, the ceilings were designed by Nasoni, and crafted by José Martins Tinoco: he also designed the
valance, retable and frame in gilded carving, executed by José Teixeira Guimarães. Classified as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE NO 129/77OF SEPTEMBER 29TH
82
SÃO FRANCISCO CHURCH
Rua do Infante Dom Henrique
1233 (construction) / 15th-16th-17th-18th centuries (alterations)
The order of São Francisco Minor Friars arrived in Oporto in 1233, when there was a dispute between the King and the Bishop regarding the ownership of
the borough. The construction of the convent buildings would only be finished in 1410. The following decade Fernão de Sá and his wife, Dona Filipa da
Cunha, started the majorat in the main chapel, where many generations of Oporto’s Main Municipal Magistrates would be buried. The Convent also served
as Capitular House of the Cloistral Province of Portugal until 1568, when it became the House of Observance. Over the years, a wide range of styles were
integrated: Gothic, Mannerist, Rococo and Neo-classical. Important figures included: Diogo de Castilho (Architect), in Carneiros Chapel (1534); Francisco
Moreira (master-carver, 1612) and Inázio Ferraz de Figueiredo (master-gilder, 1615) in the retables of São Brás and São José; Manuel da Ponte (mastergilder, 1615), in the retable of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos da Porciúncula (1615 – missing in 1764); Manuel Carneiro Adão (master-carver), in the retable
of Nossa Senhora da Conceição or Jessé’s Tree (1719); Luís Pereira da Costa (master-carver), in the retable of Santo António de Lisboa (1724); Francisco
de Couto e Azevedo (design) and Manuel da Costa Andrade (master-carver), in the retables of Nossa Senhora do Socorro (1740) and Nossa Senhora da
Graça or Nossa Senhora da Rosa (1734-1744); Manuel Pereira da Costa Noronha (master-carver), in the retables of Anunciação de Nossa Senhora (1750)
and of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação and Santos Mártires de Marrocos (1750-1751); Francisco Pereira Campanhã (master-carver), in the retable of
Nossa Senhora da Sociedade (1764-1765). In 1833, due to the bombings during the civil war, there was a fire that damaged convent areas. In the
following year, the Church was used as a Customs Warehouse. By that time, its destruction was being planned, in order to open new streets (18341839); it was saved by intervention of Queen Maria II (1839). Classified as a National Monument.
DECREE OF JUNE 16TH 1910, PUBLISHED IN DIÁRIO DA REPÚBLICA NO 136 OF JUNE 23RD 1910
83
SÃO LOURENÇO CHURCH AND COLLEGE OR GRILOS CHURCH AND CONVENT
Largo do Colégio
1573-1627 / Silvestre Jorge (1571) / Baltazar Álvares and Afonso Álvares (1577) / Luís Cunha, Architect, and Bernardo Abrunhosa de Brito, Architect (Museum)
The first priests of the Companhia de Jesus arrived in Oporto in 1560, taking up residence in a house in Rua da Lada and celebrating their first service on
São Lourenço’s Day. Ten years later, the priests moved to some fields at Aldas, where, in 1573, they laid the first stone for the construction of the
Church. In the following year the foundations started to be built but the works stopped between 1575 and 1577, due to financial problems. In 1579 the
Dormitories started to be built and, in 1595, the access staircase to the College and Church. In 1614 Dom Frei Luís Álvares de Távora volunteered as
Church Founder, providing for the College, on the condition that he was buried in the Church, in the centre of the Main Chapel, as well as placing his
coat-of-arms on the Church’s front. In 1627 the Church opened to public and, in 1630, free lessons started at the College. However, the main retable
was only built in 1642, by master-carver Manuel Nunes. Three years later there was decorative work done on the façade, resumed in 1690-1691 and
concluded in 1709. The Library dates from 1714-1720. The Nossa Senhora da Purificação altar was built in 1729-1733, by master-carver António Pereira
or Correia and by master-gilder Pedro da Silva Lisboa, according to António Vital Rifaldo’s plans. In 1759-1760, the Jesuits were expelled from Portugal
and their assets were donated to Coimbra University (1774). Oporto College would be later on sold to the Cónegos Regrantes de Santo Agostinho
(Canons), from Grilos Covent, in Lisbon (1780), where it came to acquire the popular denomination and when João Pedro Ribeiro would get an order for
the panel of the main retable, displaying Jesus Christ inflaming Santo Agostinho’s Heart. Between 1832 and 1834, it served as headquarters for the
Academic Battalion and later on hosted the Great Seminar of Nossa Senhora da Conceição. The panel O Coração de Jesus (Jesus’s Heart), by painter
Marques de Oliveira, dates back to 1882; and the panel O Senhor Preso à Coluna (The Lord Chained to the Column), by painter Manuel António de
Moura, dates back to 1917. In 1958, Dom Domingos de Pinho Brandão Sacred Art Museum was inaugurated. Classified as a National Monument.
DECREE NO 28/82 OF FEBRUARY 26TH
84
FERREIRA
BORGES MARKET
Rua do Infante Dom Henrique / Rua de Ferreira Borges / Rua de Mouzinho
1885-1888
João Carlos Machado, Architect
In 1882, Oporto City Council deliberated that a new market be created, so as to replace the old one in Ribeira, which was long showing signs of being
unfit. The works started in 1885 and were concluded in 1888. With the turn of the Century it no longer satisfied the necessary requirements,, so new
uses for the space started to be thought of. After some years of neglect, it was donated to National Fruit Council, serving as a supply interface to other
markets. Again abandoned and run-down, it was restored between 1982 and 1983 by the same company which had built it: Companhia Aliança
(Massarelos Foundry). It is one of the great examples of Oporto’s Iron Architecture and its name celebrates Oporto’s Economist and Politician José
Ferreira Borges, (1786-1838), author of the first Portuguese Commercial Code (1833). It is classified as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE NO 28/82 OF FEBRUARY 26TH
85
STOCK EXCHANGE PALACE
Praça do Infante Dom Henrique / Rua da Bolsa
18th century/1839-1940/1862-1880
Joaquim da Costa Lima, Architect /Thomaz Soller, Architect (Pátio das Nations) / Gustavo Adolfo Gonçalves de Sousa, Engineer, and José Macedo Araújo Júnior, Architect
(Arabian Room).
In 1834, São Francisco Convent was consumed by fire. In that very year it was included in the Act of Expulsion of Religious Orders and integrated in the
Public Treasury. In 1842, Oporto’s Commercial Association commissioned Costa Lima Sampaio to build their headquarters, taking advantage of the old
cloister, which was now the Pátio das Nações, whose name derived from the heraldic presence of the main countries with which Portugal maintained
commercial ties. The skylight in the ceiling and the pavement in mosaic were designed by Tomaz Soller, also the man behind the Sala das Assembleias
Gerais. The Arabian Room, dating back to 1862 and designed by Engineer Gonçalves de Sousa, gets its inspiration from Alhambra Palace, standing out
because of the richness in its moulded plasters, brought out by the lighting. In the early 20th century the Portrait Room was built, following Architect
José Marques da Silva’s plans. Present in the decoration of the different rooms of the building were great names of the Arts, such as sculptors Soares dos
Reis and Teixeira Lopes, scenographers Manini and Pereira Júnior, painters António Ramalho, Veloso Salgado, Marques de Oliveira and António Carneiro.
Classified as National Monument.
DECREE NO 28/82 OF SEPTEMBER 26TH
86
MIRAGAIA PARISH
87
RUA DAS TAIPAS FOUNTAIN
Rua das Virtudes
18th century
In Baroque style, built in granite, at the residents’ expense, to replace the fountain which existed in the larger section of Rua das Taipas, next to a
transept.
Supplied by Paranhos water source through Arca do Anjo, it had two big tanks in the back. Classified as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE NO 28536 OF MARCH 22ND 1938
BUILDING ON RUA DAS VIRTUDES OR FORMER CLUBE DOS INGLESES
Rua das Virtudes
18th century
Building from the 1700s, it was a rest house for the religious members of the Cathedral’s Congregation, where the Attorney General usually lived. Its
terrace rests upon a tower of the Fernandine Wall. In 1834 it was bought by Oporto businessman José Alexandre Ferreira Brandão, whose heirs later sold
it to “Oporto British Club”. Currently it hosts a Social Centre of SAOM, responsible for the restoration works of 1992/1993. Classified as Property of Public
Interest.
DECREE NO 8/83 JANUARY 24TH
88
SÃO JOÃO NOVO PALACE
11, Largo de São João Novo
1700-1757
António Pereira
Pedro da Costa Lima, administrator of the Ribeira docks, moved into one of the houses he bought at Largo de São João Novo, in 1676. He ordered the
renovation, or construction, of a building existing on this very site, in the traditional Baroque palace, with terraced gardens and water tanks supplied by
the Arca d’Água water source. It was abandoned during the siege of Oporto, rented to Tipografia Portuense (printer shop) in 1846 and re-inhabited by its
proprietors after that date. It was extended in the 19th century; it suffered a fire in 1984 and had conservation works in 2000. It was rented to Oporto
District Council in 1941 and the Museum of Ethnography and History, originally organised by Pedro Vitorino, was inaugurated, displaying regional pieces
and remaining open until 1992. Classified as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE NO 129/77 OF SEPTEMBER 29TH
STATUES, DECORATIVE ELEMENTS, AND WALL WHERE THEY ARE LOCATED
14, Passeio das Virtudes / 51, Rua do Dr. Barbosa de Castro
18th century
Nicolau Nasoni, Architect
Statues and decorative elements on the wall of a manor house. In 1842 José Joaquim Pereira Jordão ordered the extension to an area which leads into
Dr. Barbosa de Castro Street and Mariana Emília Pereira Jordão Ferreira da Silva ordered the extension of the building and gate, in 1854. In 1907 it
was occupied by Fábrica Portuense de Guarda Sóis (Oporto’ Parasol Factory) to set up their factory. In the 1980s Árvore Association acquired the
building to set up an Education establishment. These elements are classified as Property of Public Interest.
DECREE Nº 251/70 OF JUNE 3RD
89
VILA NOVA DE GAIA
SANTA MARINHA PARISH
90
SERRA DO PILAR MONASTERY
Santa Marinha, Vila Nova de Gaia
16th-17th centuries
Diogo Dias, João Anes, Pedro Anes, Gaspar Braga, João Lopes, Gonçalo Anes de Madalena, Cristóvão Fernandes de Valadares, André Álvares, and Gonçalo Álvares, masons /
Jerónimo Luís (16th Century), and Manuel de Couto (17th Century), master-masons / Fernão Carvalho, Afonso Gonçalves, and João Rebelo, carpenters / Guilherme (images)
/ Manuel Pinto da Costa, goldsmith / Lourenço Malhorquim, gilder / Franscisco Correia, painter
Set on top of a slope overlooking the river Douro, facing the city of Oporto, prominently positioned on Serra do Pilar. This is a unique example in
Portuguese religious architecture of a circular-shaped convent and cloister. The solution of an axis of main composition, supported by a sequence of
centred spaces, the church and the cloister, framed by two lateral wings, is unique in the country and represents a model which stems from civilian
architecture. Mannerist in style, it presents interior and exterior facades with pilasters, topped by a cupola. The Main chapel is rectangular and the cloister
is circular, with a floor formed by upper column and platband, thoroughly decorated. The retables are in Mannerist style, the main retable being
neoclassical. Classified as National Monument.
DECREE OF 16.06.1910, DG 136 OF JUNE 23RD 1910
91
MUSEOLOGICAL SPACES
92
3.2.2 MUSEOLOGICAL SPACES
The current number of existing Museological spaces and facilities in the Historic Centre of Oporto constitutes an important ensemble,
providing an interesting complementary cultural provision, with the presence of a House-Museum, an Archaeosite, two museological
centre, a museum, five churches which can be visited and also equipments such as São João National Theatre, Portuguese Photography
Centre and the Stock Market Palace, which organise guided tours to the interior of each of three spaces.
The main cultural facilities located in the Historic Centre and capable of attracting tourists, and therefore, for the notoriety of its heritage,
are presented below in detail.
GUERRA JUNQUEIRO HOUSE-MUSEUM
The Guerra Junqueiro House-Museum originated from the donation of the building and art collections of the poet Guerra Junqueiro, by his
widow Filomena Guerra Carvalho. Oporto City Council decided to accept this donation and to create the House-Museum, after the
Municipal Commission of Art and Archaeology had assessed and made an inventory of the Junqueiro collection. It was inaugurated on
June 19th 1942.
The reconstitution of the environment of the poet’s last residence in Oporto, as well as the respect for the original positioning of the
objects, justify the creation of the House-Museum, although the poet never lived in this house.
This museological space is made up of a ground floor, upper-shop, main floor and two watch spots, reminiscent of the Portuguese TowerHouse. The best reflection of the Baroque, so characteristic of Oporto’s 18th Century architecture, can be seen in the lobby and staircase.
At the Guerra Junqueiro House-Museum there are several exhibitions of Portuguese and foreign decorative art (jewellery, furniture,
textiles and ceramics), sculpture (a deposit of the National Museum of Ancient Art) and painting.
In the small garden there is a bronze sculpture of the poet Guerra Junqueiro by Master Leopoldo de Almeida, dated 1970.
Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 10.00-12.30 and from 14.00-17.30; Sundays from 14.00-17.30.
http://www.cm-porto.pt
93
ARCHAEOSITE D. HUGO NO 5
Archaeological digs have revealed twenty archaeological layers measuring over 3 metres in depth, which include architectural ruins and
objects from the 4th-3rd Centuries B.C. until the present day.
For the first time it was possible to identify remains of the proto-historic hill fort (castro) from which the urban centre originated, as well
as the Roman occupation and Early Middle Ages which followed. The remains of the houses and streets of the Lower Middle Ages allow the
reconstruction of some vestiges of ancient urbanism in this area. Interestingly enough, some of the vestiges are very close to the walled
fence and important remains of the modern and contemporary periods can also be found.
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00-12.30 and from 14.00-17.30.
INFANTE HOUSE – MUSEOLOGICAL CENTRE
The tradition which links the birth of Infante D. Henrique with this place led to the unveiling of a stone tablet above the main entrance in
1894. At the end of the same century, the last phase of transformations begins, going on throughout the first decades of the 20th
Century. The façade was renovated and another floor was added.
At the end of the 1950s the building, whose rear section was being rented at the time, was repossessed by the State and the Council.
Between 1958-1960 it was totally restored by Direcção Geral dos Edifícios e Monumentos Nacionais (General Directorate of Buildings and
National Monuments), under direction of the architect Rogério de Azevedo.
Since then it has housed the services of the Municipal Archive, which made an initial study for the complete renovation of the building.
Research led to the discovery of an important Roman palace and to a better knowledge of the old buildings of the Crown, from the 14th
Century until the present day. The importance of the findings meant the creation of a Museum on the site, which works alongside the
Archive, and also a small Tourist Office. The project for the architectural renovation of the Archive and appreciation of the National
Monument was the responsibility of the architect Nuno Tasso de Sousa.
94
The Exhibition Room is open Monday-Friday from 10.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00. Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00-12h30 and 14.001730.
The museological centre can be visited from 10.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.30, being closed on Mondays and Bank Holidays.
http://www.cm-porto.pt/gen.pl?p=stories&op=view&fokey=cmp.stories/620
MUSEUM OF SACRED ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY
It is housed in the North wing of former São Lourenço College, currently D. Domingos Brandão Seminar, who was the Dean at the time of
the aforementioned Seminar.
Part of the ensemble of buildings such as the Cathedral, the Episcopal House and São Lourenço Church (Grilos), its collection boasts
works from the 14th to the 19th Century, such as sculptures, paintings and religious artefacts.
It can be visited Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00. It is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
MUSEOLOGICAL CENTRE OF OPORTO’S SANTA CASA DA MISERICÓRDIA
Over a period of five centuries, Oporto’s Misericórdia has garnered an important, vast historic and artistic heritage, mainly the result of
charity from benefactors, in the form of donations and inheritances.
More than 500 years of History can be found on the premises of Oporto’s Santa Casa de Misericórdia. These can be seen, studied, and
contemplated, either in the permanent exhibition or by doing research in its Library.
Open Mondays-Fridays from 9.00-12.30 and 14.00-17.30. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
http://www.scmp.pt/
CLÉRIGOS CHURCH AND TOWER
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Monument in Baroque style, built between 1754 and 1763 according to the design of Italian Architect Nicolau Nasoni, it became the most
distinctive building in the city.
The Clérigos Ensemble is Oporto’s Baroque architecture at its best. The six-storey tower is 72 metres high, and you can get to the top via
a spiral staircase made up of 225 steps. Once at the top, it provides a different, unique view over the city, the River Douro and Foz
(Estuary).
Open every day, in winter from 10.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00, and in summer from 9.30-13.00 and 14.30-19h00.
CATHEDRAL’S TREASURE
This is a very important monument, the cradle from which Oporto grew, and an essential part of any visit. It was built in Romanesque
style in the 12th Century, but has been the subject of many alterations over time.
One of the interesting aspects is the urn with the mortal remains of São Pantaleão, the city’s patron saint.
The so-called Cathedral’s Treasure includes true artistic relics, with 150 cult artefacts, objects, silver and liturgical books from 15th to
19th Centuries.
Open Mondays-Saturdays from 9.00-12.30 and 14.30-19.00.
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SÃO FRANCISCO CHURCH
S. Francisco Church is one of the few medieval buildings remaining in Oporto and the city’s only gothic church. It used to be part of a
Franciscan convent and its reconstruction took from the end of the 14th Century to the beginning of the next. The medieval architectural
programme was subject of minor interventions, which never changed its structure. In the 16th century Carneiros Chapel, or Christ’s
Baptism, was built, by order of João Carneiro and designed by Diogo de Castilho. In the next century a new Baroque-style main portal,
was built.
In the 17th and 18th Centuries its interior would be totally gilded, forming a kind of gold box, creating one of the most beautiful Baroque
interiors in the country. Although the carving work is not coherent in style, its quality, the result of work from the finest workshops in
Oporto, forms a repository which allows us to see its evolution, constituting a veritable museum of gilded carving in the city.
Open February to May, from 9.00-18.00, July to August from 9.00- 20.00. June, September and October from 9.00-19.00 and in January
from 9.00-17.30.
STOCK EXCHANGE PALACE
In 1842 the Oporto Commercial Association began the construction of the Stock Exchange Palace, its headquarters and property. Different
masters and craftsmen worked for three generations to build this unique example of 19th Century architecture in Neo-classical style.
Great names in architecture, painting, sculpture and decorative art contributed to this unique heritage, which receives 200.000 visitors
every year.
One could say that the building represents the guest room of the Region, as the majority of official State receptions in North Portugal take
place here. Several leaders and dignitaries of almost every country in the World have been here.
A cultural and conference centre, it was one of the founders of the Historical Conference Centres of Europe, a European network of
palaces, monuments and historic buildings which operate as conference centres.
Open April to October from 9.00-18.30 and November to March, from 9.00-12.30 and 14.00-17.30.
http://www.palaciodabolsa.pt/
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SÃO JOÃO NATIONAL THEATRE
In spring of 1762, a lyrical theatre company was responsible for an important cultural event in Oporto. Mademoiselle Guitini, a lady of
exceptional beauty sang at what was the first Portuguese lyric theatre, now extinct. Francisco de Almada, the city governor’s son,
applauded her, gained her favours and did not forget the actress. When the S. João Theatre was inaugurated in 1798, in the current Praça
da Batalha, some people thought that this was a way of paying tribute to the singer. This theatre, which became a meeting point of the
Romantic generation, was destroyed by a fire on an April evening in 1908. Today this building (totally rebuilt by Architect Marques da
Silva - 1869-1947), is one of the city’s most important buildings and many of its cultural events take place here. The National Company of
S. João Theatre is resident here.
This place can only be visited by appointment or at a show.
http://www.tnsj.pt
PORTUGUESE CENTRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
The Portuguese Centre of Photography was created in 1997 by the Ministry of Culture and it has been overseen by Direcção-Geral de
Arquivos (General Directorate of Archives) since 2007.
Its responsibilities include the promotion and appreciation of photographic heritage – including archives, the management of the National
Collection of Photography and the promotion of knowledge and enjoyment of the photographic heritage, among others.
It offers an annual programme of temporary exhibitions, a permanent Museological Centre which comprises a rare, valuable collection of
cameras, a specialist library, where there are other services of research and reproductions, a shop and a free service of guided tours to
the building and to the exhibitions, which must be previously booked.
Open Monday-Friday, from 10.00-12.30 and 15.00-18.00. Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 15.00-19.00.
http://www.cpf.pt/
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SOARES DOS REIS NATIONAL MUSEUM
Soares dos Reis National Museum, formerly the Oporto Museum, and the first art museum in Portugal, was created in 1833, when D.
Pedro IV decided to establish a Museum of Painting and Prints in the city of Oporto. It was founded to preserve artistic heritage, especially
that of defunct convents and, simultaneously, to promote its use for cultural and pedagogical purposes.
Resident in Carrancas Palace since 1940, currently classified as Property of Public Interest, it was built at the end of the 18th Century by a
wealthy family from Oporto. It has recently been subject to major renovation and extension, following the project of Architect Fernando
Távora who, preserving the characteristics of the old building, provided the Museum with new, improved indoor and outdoor areas.
Open Tuesdays from 14.00-18.00 and Wednesday-Sunday from 10.00-18.00.
http://www.mnsr-ipmuseus.pt/
There are other places which are open and can be visited, such as São Nicolau Church and São João Novo Church, as well as São Bento
Railway Station which, despite not being a museological space, is a both a major attraction and important in terms of heritage, boasting
an ensemble of remarkable azulejos .
In spite of interesting museological spaces offering quality and interesting collections, relatively few visitors are attracted and retained.
This justifies investment in improving quality and services, particularly in terms of timetables, multilingual information, more guided tours
and improving signs and communication.
On the other hand, there is no place which “tells the story” of the city and of the region, and, in particular, a place which can help
interpret the enormous value of its heritage. This facility might constitute and form the foundation for tourist-cultural provision in the
Historic Centre.
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SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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3.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The characteristics of the workforce of local economies, as well as the maturation of social conditions in general, significantly affect the
capacity of cities to attract visitors and also the capacity of local companies to produce goods and services on the scale of the potential
market. For this reason, knowing a city well or, in particular, its historic centre, so as to stimulate tourism based on a sustainable model,
implies studying its socio-economic context.
Oporto is positioned as the core of a metropolitan area which has a resident population of approximately 1.6 million people, corresponding
to 42% of the resident population in the Northern region and to about 15% of the country’s resident population. The city has 227,790
inhabitants, corresponding to the second biggest municipality in the region, with 6% of the total of resident individuals. Of the 18 parishes
in the Northern Region with greater population density, 11 belong to Oporto, with São Nicolau the parish which the greatest population
density.
The demographic evolution of Oporto showed gradual growth until 1960. After this period there was a decrease in the population,
interrupted only in the 1970s, when the population reached a peak of over 327,000 inhabitants, according to 1981 Census. In the 1980s
there was a new negative variation and demographic decline in Oporto, which in the previous decade was limited to the parishes of the
historic centre and to a first ring of the adjacent parishes, spread out throughout that particular decade.
This regressive trend which began in the 1980s and resulted in a decrease of 8%, became worse in the 1990s. The results of the most
recent census (2001) indicate that, in that year, Oporto’s resident population was 263,131 inhabitants, as opposed to 302,472 in 1991,
representing a decrease of about 13% and also the highest demographic loss of the Northern Region, with a population comparable only
to that of the mid-1940s.
Despite this severe decrease, the demographic evolution of the municipality was not homogenous. In relative terms, the greatest
decreases can be seen in parishes located in the Historic Centre and City Centre (-41,1% in Miragaia, -36,3% in Vitória, -35,3% in Sé , 30,4% in Santo Ildefonso).
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In fact, the population decrease in the Historic Centre of Oporto occurred earlier. There was a decrease in the population in the
aforementioned areas (around 5% and 3%, respectively) in the 1940s and 1950s. The 1960s were particularly negative in terms of
demographic desertion with acute decreases in population numbers.
In the most recent inter-census period, there was a loss of 35% in the resident population, added to the 27% recorded in the 1980s.
Therefore, between 1940 and 2001 this urban centre lost 68% (more than two thirds) of its residents, representing a decrease from
nearly 42,000 inhabitants (16% of the city population) to slightly more than the 13,000 (5.8% of the city population).
The demographic decline, combined with the severe ageing of the population, are the main signs of Oporto’s evolution over the last 20
years, which reflect a strong decentralisation of the residential function into the adjacent municipalities, the phenomenon of tertiarisation,
as well as the general natural negative balance. In the specific case of the Historic Centre, population loss was also a result of re-housing
programmes of those living in social accommodation, carried out by the State and by the City Council, from the 1970s.
This phenomenon of desertification of the Historic Centre was accompanied by a severe ageing of the resident population. The General
Census of 1991 indicated that the number of young residents equalled that of the elderly, meaning an ageing index of 98%. New data
from 2001 showed an even more dramatic situation, indicating an ageing index of 203%. This loss of young population is commonplace in
the entire city, but occurs mainly in the parishes of the Historic Centre and City Centre. Regarding the proportion of the elderly living
alone in 2001, within the context of typical families in the five parishes of the Historic Centre classified as World Heritage, the numbers
were the highest, around 16%. These were also the parishes which showed the highest percentage of single-parent nuclear families, with
a rate of about 25%, once again highlighting the proportion of live-births from teenage mothers (about 6%). The parishes of the Historic
Centre have 3,574 resident families, which represents 4.8% of the total of those in the city.
Regarding the migratory flows into Oporto, and from the last census, it was concluded that the parishes which attracted more immigrants
were Paranhos, Ramalde, Cedofeita and Bonfim where, between 1995 and 2001, about 60% of these immigrants decided to live.
However, the parishes in the Historic Centre were not able to attract more than 3.4% of this total.
If we considered the whole area of the four parishes in the Historic Centre, it has more than three thousand residential buildings,
equivalent to 6.6% of the city’s structural fabric, which corresponds to 7,482 of residences. However, more than a quarter of these
residences are uninhabited, corresponding to 27%, a much higher rate than the national average (12%) or the city’s (15.1%).
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Only 11% of the existing homes in this urban centre are owned by the respective resident, with rented properties (typical family
permanent residences) accounting for 83%. A large part of this type of residence (about 79%) is owned by private individuals or
companies, although the presence of the State, of public companies and of the City Council is also significant: the equivalent to 11.7%.
Although there are a great number of administrative functions in the city of Oporto, these can be found mainly in adjacent zones to the
historic centre or, in some cases, in areas of recent urbanisation, farther away from it, which resulted in this urban centre becoming less
functional.
The Historic Centre of Oporto is still economically weak with few companies involved in the economic dynamics of the city. This situation
has been the result of a number of factors, including the abovementioned demographic factors.
The companies in the Historic Centre of Oporto are mainly small and family-run businesses which are narrow in scope and mainly
dominated by 3 sectors: personal items, restaurant services and items for the home. Data from 2003 revealed that there were 1,427
companies set up in parishes of the Historic Centre, 629 of which were of a commercial nature.
These businesses provide goods and services which vary between the satisfaction of the basic needs of the resident population and the
exceptional consumption of specific articles, operating with similar and inflexible timetables. It is true that this has been changing, due to
the appearance of “alternative” commercial concerns, especially in the area of personal articles, with very specific work and customer
profiles.
More than 70% of the clients of these companies in the Historic Centre are self-employed professionals, dependent workers or
businessmen; their ages span from 21 to 70 years of age and they are regular clients. The majority of business volume takes place at
peak tourist times and in festive seasons (March, June, July, August and December) and the time of least business coincides with the
following months and periods of higher expense (January, February and September) and, in terms of the week the busiest times are
Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning.
About half of the companies lack the capacity or intention to invest in the near future. However, 72% have invested in the last two years,
mainly in renovation works, basic equipment and furniture. There is a clear lack of dynamic or entrepreneurial spirit among the owners of
these companies who, although recognising the importance and effectiveness of the projects of cooperation for the economic and
commercial area being studied, are inactive in terms of getting involved in extraordinary projects of this nature.
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Moreover, the contribution of the Historic Centre in terms of employment is very poor, mainly due to the lack of activity and functionality
of important infrastructures such as Oporto Customs and Ferreira Borges Market. This decrease in employment has also meant people
move out of the area as jobs are lost.
However, the hotel and restaurant sectors have been contributing to some positive dynamics in recent years, through the 281
partnerships (data from 2003) in the historic centre and the investments in promoting services and tourism, thus emphasising the value
of the existing heritage and creating entertainment facilities, especially for night time activity.
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ENVIRONMENT AND MOBILITY
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3.4 ENVIRONMENT AND MOBILITY
3.4.1 ENVIRONMENT
GREEN SPACES
In recent years there has been a growing concern about providing cities with new green spaces, especially parks and gardens, for the
benefit of the respective populations, thus combating progressive density of the urban landscape. In this area, the city of Oporto has a
capitation of about 7m2 per inhabitant, which is much lower than the average of the European cities. However, areas such as the City
Park, the Gardens of the Crystal Palace or Serralves Gardens are highly attractive due to their importance in terms of heritage, history
and landscape.
The existence of tree lined streets also constitutes added value in terms of environment and landscape, thus contributing for the
greenness of the city, as well as to attenuate the frequently excessively impermeable nature of the soil.
Oporto has tree-lined streets that measure about 139 km, corresponding to approximately 26% of the total amount of streets.
In terms of spatial distribution of the tree-lined streets, the majority (about 42%) is concentrated in the Eastern Zone. The Historic Centre
has less than 4%.
Blueprint 12 presents the existing green spaces in the Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage.
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GREEN AREA OF PROTECTION
RESIDUAL GREEN AREA
FRAMING GREEN AREA
SEPARATING GREEN AREA
PRIVATE GREEN AREA
LINEAR GREEN AREA
LIMIT OF THE AREA INCLUDED
IN THE UNESCO LIST
Map nº 12 Green areas
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BASIC INFRASTRUCTURES
For the country, and in average terms, PEAASAR and QREN set the objectives of universality, continuity and service quality provided,
establishing minimum levels of coverage and customer-care for the population of 95%, in terms of Water Supplies and Sanitation of
Residual Waters (AR), 90% and 70% respectively, including treatment.
The Historic Centre of Oporto has 100% coverage and customer-service in terms of Water Supplies and Domestic Residual Water
Drainage (ARD) in the area of the City classified as World Heritage.
On December 31st, 2007, the total length of the water distribution network was 753 km of water pipes and about 1000 km of connection
branches.
In the Historic Zone of Oporto, the reliability of the system could still progressively improve, as Águas do Porto, E.M. renovates/ improves
the distribution network in the streets yet to benefit. These interventions will be jointly programmed with Porto Vivo, SRU, so as to
constitute integrated actions of Urban Regeneration, whenever possible. This methodology minimises the (economic and social) impact of
the interventions, optimising results in the process.
According to the criteria of IRAR (Water and Residues Regulating Institute), the quality of the water is classified as VERY GOOD, in light of
the analysis results at all the points of the distribution network monitored in HCOWP, between January 1st 2005 and September 30th 2008.
Oporto’s wastewater network is mostly divided, with only some zones, mostly in the eastern part of the city and in Old Foz (Estuary
zone), which work in a single unit. However, throughout the entire sanitation network, illicit connections have frequently been detected.
The measures considered by CMPEA – Águas do Porto, E.M. for the elimination of existing health risks consist of the installation of drains
and sanitation branches, improving the coverage/customer service rate, separate domestic waste effluents from rain water and eliminate
health risks, ridding the water lines of pollution.
Most of the water produced which is later treated in the ETARs (Wastewater Treatment Plant), is domestic wastewater, representing on
average 75%, with the volume of infiltration around 24% and rain water only 1%.
The treatment of wastewater is fundamental to ensure conditions of Hygiene and Public Health and, consequently, Quality of Life of the
Populations.
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The network of secondary drains of Oporto, which measure over 477 km, ensures the collection of the effluents from Eastern and Western
Oporto Sub-systems, transporting them to the two ETARs, Freixo and Sobreiras, correspondingly, through about 40 km of interceptors,
general and transport drains.
The high-level System of Drainage and Treatment of Domestic waters system will be concluded during 2009. The permanent connection
of Antas Drain to the General Drain will be carried out, which will allow to lead the whole of the Eastern Sub-system Seward to Freixo
ETAR. On the other hand, at the Western Sub-system, the Eastern Section of the General Drain of the Northern Zone, in FEUP/ ISEP zone,
will be shut down, and the current pumping station will be closed.
Freixo ETAR started operating in August 2000 and Sobreiras ETAR in February 2003. Together they have a capacity to provide service for
the entire population which live or use the city beyond the 40-year life-span of the investment.
This premise was validated for scenarios of the resident and visiting populations, based on the city’s effective potential of attraction, using
a dynamic thought to be appropriate, both in terms of visitors and establishing activities. It is also supports the possible and predictable
capacity for new buildings, in light of the current planning mechanisms and of the will expressed by those responsible for public policies.
In Oporto, as long as they are considered domestic, effluents of industrial origin are transported to the Wastewater Treatment Plants.
Those which are not of this type are previously treated (in the industrial unit itself) and only then transported to the Wastewater
Treatment Plants.
Article 181 of the Regulation of Águas do Porto states that “discharges from industrial effluents can only be admitted to the public network
after previously celebration of contract of discharge, in which the industrial unit makes a commitment to discharge an effluent which
respects the admissible conditions in order for both the drainage network and the ETAR to function properly”.
Another decisive environmental aspect in today’s society concerns the conditions of production and treatment of urban solid waste, as the
high levels produced increasingly demand a suitable treatment of the waste generated.
In this field, traditional landfill and composting solutions have increasingly been shunned in favour of a more selective collection and
appreciation of resources, which represent an undeniable path towards the sustainability of a city or region, thus contributing to the
preservation of natural resources, saving of raw materials and energy and also to reducing pollution levels.
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3.4.2 MOBILITY
The majority of cities currently faces problems of traffic congestion. If, on the one hand, the need for movement of individuals, goods and
services in the context of the “flow spaces” which modern metropolises have become has increased, then on the other, there has been
mass use of the car, alongside a need to make traffic flow.
Facing the current occupation of the Historic Centre of Oporto (of genesis or medieval consolidation), it can be observed that there is a
diversion between the characteristics of the urban tissue (such as the width of the streets or the free available spaces) and the
contemporary demands of circulation and parking, based mainly on the individual transport.
This centre is served by several public means of transportation, including an extensive bus network (available in the entire city), railway
stations, (with suburban, regional and national connections), as well as by the Guindais funicular, (establishing the connection with the
upper part of the city). The city also has a network of tourism buses, as well as trams. The underground network complements this
provision, with a station in São Bento.
In 2002 there were 10,624 properly legalised parking spaces available in Oporto. Of these, 91% were located in the central area of the
city; 65% were in the City Centre area and 26% were in the Historic Centre of Oporto.
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There are pedestrian areas in several zones of the historic centre, not only in areas most popular with tourists, or where there are
services, such as on the riverfront, but also in essentially residential areas, where the urban structure does not allow cars to circulate.
Crossing these parishes, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau and Vitória, and following the river bank, there is a street with access for cars and
trams.
In terms of river traffic, the Douro is an important channel, mostly used by recreation and tourism vessels, but also by merchant vessels
(mostly inert materials and granite), leaving from the harbours of Várzea and Sardoura, located in the municipalities of Marco de
Canaveses and Castelo de Paiva.
Blueprint 13 identifies the different streets and transport types in the Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage.
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STCP STOPS
TRAIN STATION
METRO STATION
GOOD CONDITION
FAIR
BAD CONDITION
LIMIT OF THE AREA INCLUDED
IN THE UNESCO LIST
Map nº 13- State of Conservation Roads
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RISKS, PREVENTION AND COMBAT
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3.5 RISKS, PREVENTION AND COMBAT
The Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage is included on UNESCO’s list and currently the situation is not precarious enough for it to be
included on the list of World Heritage at Risk.
However, there are obviously some risks which must be avoided, in order to maintain its value. Without this concern regarding risk
prevention, the Management Plan could be complacent in terms of the destruction of the identity of the Historic Centre of Oporto World
Heritage and for the perhaps irreversible progressive degradation of its value as important heritage for Humanity.
In relation to this point, we refer to a broader concept of risks that include those of natural and human origin. This broad scope stems
from the inhabited, active character of the property classified as the Historic Centre of Oporto, whose monumental character includes a
community of thousands of inhabitants and users, with all the resulting benefits and disadvantages.
Therefore, we can consider that the main risks of NATURAL origin that occur in Oporto with greater or lesser significance are:
Hydrological (floods)
Meteorological (storms, thunder, hurricanes)
Geological (landslides)
Seismic (minor quakes)
Risks originated by HUMAN ACTIVITIES:
Fires
Overburdening of buildings
Inappropriate use
Abandonment (including associated physical, chemical and biological risks).
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Cultural abuse (including inappropriate architectural or engineering practices).
Risks of TECHNOLOGICAL origin:
Industrial hazards;
Collapse of structures;
Structural fatigue;
Urban fires.
The risks of loss of vitality and gentrification are transversal to the entire Management Plan and are therefore dealt with in the points on
strategy.
MAIN NATURAL RISKS:
Hydrological
The main hydrological risk which can affect the value of the Historic Centre of Oporto is abnormal flooding from the River Douro.
Downstream from a huge international river basin, located in the Atlantic water strip of the peninsula, Porto is often threatened by floods,
which are a result of the unfavourable combination of the thawing in the interior of the plateau, intense rain on the Atlantic slope and
high tides on the ocean.
Although these are quite probable floods (the most common can affect Oporto three times a century), the city has long been prepared to
resist and respond to their effects.
The robustness of the riverine constructions, protected from the impetuous currents by the Fernandine wall and by the embankment of
the new Customs Building, as well as by the elevation of the banks built in the last centuries, minimises the effect of the turbulence and
aggressiveness of the floods. In addition, because the lower floors are generally non-residential this allows an efficient response, which
generally means moving equipment and goods to higher floors and carrying out a cleaning process to remove deposited silt and sand.
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Because the type of damage and the most frequent water levels are already well-known, this means that not only the architecture, but
also how the shops themselves are usually prepared to respond to this risk with minimal losses.
There is even a tradition of the people helping each other in the Historic Centre, as well as of using alternative escape routes with
connections between the buildings, which are only used when floods prevent the access to the lower floors of some quarters of the
riverfront.
It is worth mentioning that the height of the watch path of the Fernandine Wall (14th century) has never been flooded since there have
been records, and it is the main access path to the inhabited floors of the buildings.
Meteorological
More frequent, more extensive, and generally more serious are the impacts of the weather, which affect mainly roofs, skylights,
chimneys and the coating of façades and side walls, as well as falling trees.
Although Oporto is not located in the path of hurricanes or tornados, it is sometimes hit by winds of hurricane speed, which cause
significant damage to buildings, particularly affecting older, more run-down ones.
Apart from the winds, violent rains are responsible for worsening the state of buildings. This is often not dealt with immediately or
efficiently, mainly due to the fact that proprietors lack sufficient funds.
The fact that buildings are often less than waterproof is often associated with the origin of the pathologies which, with time, cause
significant damage, which sometimes lead to the collapse of entire buildings.
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Geological (sliding of slopes)
The Historic Centre of Oporto is set a granite mass, generally with any changes on a superficial level while very stable in the areas of
higher and older urban consolidation.
There are, however, some sensitive spots in some areas of the slope, which demand contention and monitoring of the earth masses.
The rock upon which the part of the Fernandine Wall is built (next to D. Luís I Bridge), as well as the cut in Largo do Colégio, close to S.
Lourenço Church (“Grilos”) have been surveyed and interventions have occurred.
Outside the World Heritage area, but still inside the buffer zone, there are problems of instability in Guindais and in Fontaínhas, where
rock fractures allow large granite blocks to slide, creating difficulties for future intervention projects in those areas.
Seismic activity
Due to the nature of the rock mass upon which it is built and due to its location, far away from the main active tectonic faults, Oporto has
not seriously been affected by earthquakes or other telluric phenomena.
However, sometimes small tremors are felt, while not strong enough to cause extensive destruction, these can cause structural damage
to the older, more run-down buildings.
Although these are not usually major, the fact that they recur over the centuries upon the same structures, particularly the most rigid, is
visible in deformed elements which can affect their solidity.
MAIN MAN-MADE RISKS:
Fires
Although, in theory, fires can be caused by lightning or other natural causes, this is very improbable. We have therefore included this in
man-made risks.
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Oporto, and particularly its Historic Centre, has not had serious building fires, with an average of less than one building destroyed per
year.
In fact, since Oporto was included on UNESCO’s list 12 years ago, no more than eight buildings have been completely destroyed by fire.
There are frequently small fires occurring mainly on roof tops or parts of houses, with no irreversible consequences in the loss of
significant heritage.
There are two main reasons underlying this:
Firstly, due to dense occupation, there is always someone near when a fire starts, who usually sounds the alarm in good time. Secondly,
because there is a fire station located next to S. Bento Station which tackle fires with a permanent force with specially adapted vehicles
to function effectively in the narrow streets so characteristic of this area.
The brigade, which we consider essential, can react to any alarm in few minutes, thus avoiding that a small fire escalates while awaiting
the arrival of better-equipped engines and reinforcements from the central headquarters of BSB (Fire Brigade) located in Constituição
Street.
Apart from these fire-fighting mechanisms, there are regulations and the active intervention by BSB experts when analysing all the
rehabilitation projects, so as to minimise the effects of fires and to efficiently combat them whenever they occur.
Overburdened and/ or inappropriate use of buildings
Inappropriate use of certain buildings can place their heritage value at risk. Warehouses containing inflammable products, gas bottles
and corrosive products can still be found, although on a small scale.
It is very common to find buildings being overcrowded, which make them less habitable and more uncomfortable for those residents
living in them, but also reduces the resistance capacity of the structures and infrastructures of the buildings.
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The occupation of basements, attics and interior rooms, including all the typical residential activities, such as cooking and washing,
makes the structures much more humid, with negative effects on wooden structures, the electrical wiring and even stone masonry, easily
damaged by salinity.
Abandonment (with all the associated pathologies)
Abandonment is the biggest risk in the Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage.
The majority of the buildings with heritage value which disappeared since the inscription on UNESCOs List were either disassembled for
preventative reasons or simply collapsed as a consequence of the abandonment (and lack of investment) of their owners.
Inhabited, uninhabited or partially vacant buildings, which are left exposed to the elements several cycles of winter/ summer, eventually
become little more than ruins after a few years, where only the main walls or good granite masonry can partially be saved.
Despite the fact that most of the buildings of the Historic Centre of Oporto are vertical structures essentially made of stone, these are not
immune to the effects of physical, chemical and biological attacks, if the necessary restoration and conservation work is not carried out.
Simple damage to a gutter, broken glass in skylights or windows or the destruction of a doorway allows the infiltration of rainwater into
the building.
From that moment on, if the repairs are not duly carried out problems arise: the washing out of the cement, the disaggregation of the
stone parts (physical pathology), the rotting of the wooden coverings, pavement and staircases (biological pathologies) and the rusting of
skylights and other metallic elements (chemical pathologies).
Even when buildings do not collapse, or are not disassembled to avoid accidents, their recovery will be constrained by the loss of wooden
floors, sets of beams, plaster, tiles and other construction and decorative elements in the buildings.
This abandonment results in loss of valuable heritage, both at a cultural level and in terms of costs for its rehabilitation, which becomes
considerably more expensive when structural elements are lost.
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Cultural abuse (with unsuitable architectural and/or engineering practices)
Associated to this type of risk, which involves the attitude towards existing elements, one can also detect the incapability or limitation of
many technical teams in dealing with the problematic of safeguard in rehabilitation.
In fact, until a few years ago, not only in industry, but also in the university professionals were not being trained in wall preservation,
floor carpentry or inclined roof tops. It was therefore very common to see a destructive attitude in terms of projects and works towards
the problems of recovering buildings in extremely poor states of repair.
Water and atmospheric pollution
Environmental risks, also man-made, are more controlled today than they were in the past. Notwithstanding, there is still the possibility
of harmful effects from water or the atmosphere upon buildings and infrastructures.
Given the location of Oporto on the Atlantic Coast, with predominant winds from the West and Northwest which means no acid rain or
other corrosive factors, and despite the sea salinity, it is the pollution produced locally that is more of a concern for air quality.
Road traffic, with the burning of fossil fuels, is responsible for the blackening of the stone blocks, tiles and other parts of building
façades. This often results in the use of aggressive methods of stone cleaning, with scouring by means of acid or hydro erosion.
A short-term objective of Águas do Porto, E.M. is to channel all of the sewage produced in Oporto and have it treated at Wastewater
Treatment Plants.
Pollution in the waters of the River Douro and tributaries has been decreasing, due to the use of modern, efficient means of collection,
transport and treatment of domestic effluents. However, there are still many old, clandestine, or untraced connections upstream from the
water lines which cross the Historic Centre – River Basins of Rivers Frio and Da Vila.
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The campaigns which have been carried out by Águas do Porto, E.M. in the entire territory of the City in order to eliminate illicit water
connections and promote the missing residential connections necessarily have an impact on the process of ridding water bodies of
pollution, in this case the River Douro, namely in the area close to the Historic Centre.
Summary
The risk of abandonment and cultural abuse must be highlighted as the most serious in the Historic Centre of Oporto.
Abandonment is the most worrying, because it is widespread, prolonged and involved in circumstances which make it very difficult to
control and combat, namely due to the results it produced: freezing of rents for many decades and consequent impoverishment of
landlords, who are unable to carry out regular maintenance of the buildings.
Cultural abuse requires effort by several sectors of society to train a new generation of technicians who understand the building
processes already used in many steps of previous construction and reconstruction works of buildings, so that they can carry out the
suitable analysis and propose and perform more appropriate interventions, benefiting from economy of cultural value and financial
investment.
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TOURISM, CULTURAL PROGRAMMING AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
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3.6 TOURISM, CULTURAL PROGRAMMING AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
3.6.1 THE IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM
The substantial growth of tourism is one of the impressive economic and social phenomena of the last century, with an average growth
higher to that of the world’s economy, and one that is predicted to continue. In Portugal, tourism represents a significant contribution to
the creation of wealth and employment.
The tourist sector is based upon a structure of interactions between several sectors, something which generates positive effects in the
processes of local and regional development, in particular, through the dynamics of economic structures, environmental appreciation and
cultural improvement.
According to the World Tourism Organisation (WTO)3, the growth of tourism is one of the most impressive economic and social
phenomena of the last century. However, the WTO recognises that the effects of this activity can be negative if there is a lack responsible
planning, management and monitoring.
In Portugal, which has a higher growth rate than the European average, Tourism is already one of the country’s main economic sectors,
employing 10% of the working population. This year this sector should directly contribute 6.5% of the Portuguese GDP, earning about
10,400 million Euros.
With this fact in mind, in April 2007 Turismo de Portugal, IP’s PENT (Strategic National Tourism Plan) was approved. It presents a great
ambition: Portugal must be one of the destinations with greatest growth in Europe, through development based on the qualification and
competitiveness of provision, transforming the sector into one of the engines of growth for the national economy.
3
www.world-tourism.org
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It is expected that Tourism will make a positive contribution to the country’s economic development, representing, in 2015, more than
15% of the GDP and 15% of national employment.
According to the goals defined in the PENT, Oporto and the Northern Region should attract between 3.1 and 3.3 million night’s lodging for
foreigners, growing at an average annual rate of 8.5%, and there should be an annual increase of 7.5% in the number of tourists (foreign
guests) until 2015. In that period, the revenues (total profit in hotels) should grow at an annual rate of 11%, in comparison with 2006.
Apart from its undeniable and aforementioned importance, in terms of history, architecture and landscape, the Historic Centre of Oporto is
also the symbolic heart of the city, boasting much of great tourist potential with great diversity in its provision, having managed, mainly
in the last decade, to become an important place in terms of tourism.
TOURISM PROVISION
Accommodation
Oporto city has a wide range of different types of hotel. There is a total of 32 hotels and 6,066 tourist beds.
The area classified as World Heritage only has four hotels, with a total of 550 beds.
We highlight the case of Pestana Porto Hotel, located on Praça da Ribeira, distinguished in 2008 with the Award given by Expedia “Expedia
Insider’s Select”.
Below there is a summary table with the number of hotels located in the area classified as Heritage of Humanity, in the buffer zone, as
well as in the rest of the city.
Classified area
Buffer Zone
Remaining zones
NO OF HOTELS
4
3
25
NO OF ROOMS
346
204
2992
NO OF BEDS
638
327
5101
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The following table refers to the number of boarding houses in the abovementioned area.
Classified area
Protection area
Remaining zones
NO OF BOARDING HOUSES
1
20
47
NO OF ROOMS
10
499
819
NO OF BEDS
17
850
1224
Restaurants
Oporto is also known for its gastronomy and there is a wide range of good quality restaurants throughout the city. The Ribeira area in the
Historic Centre boasts some of the city’s most traditional restaurants and an important element of the city’s tourist attractions.
There are 22 licensed restaurants operating in the classified area and there are 35 others in the buffer zone:
LOCATION
Classified area
Buffer zone
Total
NO OF RESTAURANTS
22
35
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Traditional Cafés
Oporto cafés were places where intellectuals of different periods gathered and this could be better exploited, both in terms of culture and
tourism. There are five traditional cafés in the classified area.
Nightlife
Oporto also provides good nightlife (bars and clubs) in several parts of the city, with plenty in the Historic Centre. In the classified zone
there are many pavement cafés.
Complementary provision and welcoming visitors
Oporto has been investing in improving accessibility and mobility both inside the Historic Centre and in the connection to other areas of
the city. At this level, we have to mention the creation of the Oporto Underground, which connects several points of the city to the historic
centre from São Bento station, as well as the recovery of the Guindais funicular, which connects Batalha to Ribeira.
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Oporto is also served by a wide range of cultural activities, with its museums and theatres, as well as an international cultural
programme, consolidating tourism in the process.
The city has three tourist offices located close to the historic centre: Central Oporto Tourist Office, Oporto Historic Zone Tourist Office and
Oporto Casa da Câmara Tourist Office (Sé).
On the Oporto City Council’s website (www.portoturismo.pt) there is a wide variety of material for tourists and visitors to the city. Apart
from the usual information, it is possible to download, free of charge and in mp3 format, five audio itineraries for walking visits, for those
who wish to discover the city’s main attractions, including the routes in the zones of Sé, Ribeira, Clérigos, Miragaia and Downtown.
Besides these, there are also the theme itineraries, dedicated to Azulejo, to the Medieval, Baroque, Neoclassical or Garrettian.
It is also possible to go on tours organised by several companies and specialised guides, who offer circuits specially dedicated to the
classified area.
Oporto Card is another product available at the Tourist Offices. Its aim is to promote the city and the brand Porto as a top tourism
destination, giving holders, both Portuguese and foreign tourists and visitors, free access or special prices for products and services and
limited use of public transport for the period of validity of the card.
TOURISM DEMAND
We have used a recent study carried out by Oporto City Council in order to perform an analysis of tourist demand, to see the profile of
Oporto’s tourists and visitors.
There were 302 questionnaires completed for the study at Oporto City Council Tourist Offices in the central and historic zone. The
information which was gathered allows us, albeit in general terms, to understand the main characteristics of tourism in Oporto, as well as
positive and negative aspects of the city highlighted by tourists and visitors.
The table below summarises the main characteristics of tourists/ visitors of this city:
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Gender
Education
Age
Professional situation
Salary level
Main countries of residence
PROFILE OF TOURIST /VISITOR TO OPORTO
Majority female
63% have higher education qualifications
22% have completed upper secondary school or professional training
19 to 29 (33%)
50 to 59 (16%)
53% workers
18% students
14% retired
31% above 2000€
17% between 1300€ and 2000€
24% France
20% United Kingdom
8% Spain
7% USA
6% Holland
5% Canada
4% Australia
Source: Porto Turismo – Oporto Council Tourism Office
Main Reasons
It has been concluded that 93% of the visitors/ tourists surveyed indicated leisure/ holidays as main reason for visiting Oporto; a lower
percentage visited for congresses and fairs (2%), work and business (1%), religious reasons (1%) and other reasons (2%).
Organisation of the visit
More than 95% of the tourists/ visitors surveyed organise the journey on their own; 23% using the Internet.
Type of accommodation
The majority of the tourists/ visitors book their accommodation personally, either on the Internet (28%), or when arriving in the city
(24%) or even by telephone (15%).
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The majority of those surveyed (65%) stay 1 to 3 nights in the city of Oporto and more than a quarter (26%) sleep over for 4 to 7 nights.
Only 3% stay over 7 nights and 4% do not sleep in Oporto at all. Below, there is a summary table containing the means of
accommodation used by the tourists/ visitors surveyed:
TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION
TYPE OF ESTABLISHMENT
Hotel
Boarding House
Camping
Hostel
Own house
With family/ friends
Rented house
DK/DA
%
45%
22%
16%
5%
2%
1%
1%
9%
Source: Porto Turismo – Oporto Council Tourism Office
What they like most in the city
The majority of the tourists/ visitors surveyed (78%) consider Oporto an attractive tourist destination, claiming that what they have
enjoyed the most was the Architecture, the Monuments and the Museums; the Hospitality; the Wine and Gastronomy; the Atmosphere
and the Landscape.
Chosen Activities
During their stay in Oporto, the most popular activities chosen by the tourists/ visitors surveyed were a visit to Oporto Wine Cellars
(78%); getting to know the heritage/ architecture (58%); museums (45%); pedestrian circuits (48%), bus trips (14%), boat trips (32%)
and wine and gastronomy itineraries (15%); 28% have experienced the city’s nightlife, 16% attended cultural shows, 4% attended
sporting events and 46% went shopping.
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EXISTENT HOTEL
PROPOSED HOTEL
PREDICTED HOTEL
COMMERCIAL ZONES
PLACE OF INTEREST
PARKING AREA
LOCAL OF POTENTIAL
INTEREST
PUBLIC SPACE WITH
TOURISTIC POTENTIAL
PUBLIC SPACE WITH
TOURISTIC INTEREST
POTENTIAL TOURISTIC
TOUR
TOURISTIC TOUR
ALREADY SUGGESTED
PRIMITIVE WALL
FERDINAND WALL
LIMIT OF THE AREA INCLUDED IN
THE UNESCO LIST
LIMIT OF the AREA OF
INTERVENTION OF THE
"CRUARB/CH" - ACT Nº67/97,
OF 31 OF DECEMBER
LIMIT OF PROTECTION
AREA (BUFFER ZONE)
Map nº 14- Tourism
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CULTURAL PROGRAME
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3.6.2 CULTURAL PROGRAMME
Oporto stages many cultural initiatives and artistic activities, currently providing an attractive and diversified range of cultural, both to the
visitor and to the local population.
For the year 2008 there are 83 planned events and 13 of those will take place in the Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage.
Below we provide a short description of some of the most important events occurring in the city.
The events described concern the general city programme, not including the specific programme of each of the cultural forums of this
area.
Events
FANTASPORTO – OPORTO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF CINEMA
The biggest cinema festival in Portugal and described by “Variety” magazine as one of the sixty most important festivals in the world.
It takes place between February and March, at Rivoli Municipal Theatre and in several cinema theatres of Oporto Metropolitan Area.
http://www.fantasporto.com/
FITEI – FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE EXPRESSÃO IBÉRICA
FITEI - International Theatre Festival of Iberian Expression is a festival which promotes theatre and the performing arts in Portuguese and
Spanish, and encourages artistic creation.
Simultaneously it tries to build audiences, to host top classical and contemporary artistic works, as well as discovering experimental and
trans-disciplinary projects, thus focusing on new artistic languages in the performing arts.
This is an annual event which occurred between May 26th and June 8th in 2008.
It takes place in different places in the city, such as in the São João National Theatre, in the Historic Centre, or in Casa da Música.
http://www.fitei.com/
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ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THE PALÁCIO DA BOLSA
Taking advantage of Oporto’s musical tradition, the Palácio da Bolsa, in the heart of the Historic Centre, organises and promotes an
Annual Festival of Chamber Music, in conjunction with several entities of the Region, such as Oporto’s Music Conservatory and the Circle
of Musical Culture.
It takes place between January and December.
http://www.palaciodabolsa.pt/
ANNUAL TRAM PARADE
Historic trams parade along the River Douro line. About 10 trams participate in this parade every year, most of them electric traction
vehicles which belong to the Museu do Carro Eléctrico collection (Museum of Trams). These trams date back to between 1895 and 1940.
The main goal of this initiative is “to bring the museum into the street once a year” and is organised by Museu do Carro Eléctrico and by
Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto (STCP) (Collective Transports of Oporto).
http://museu-carro-electrico.stcp.pt/
PONTI – PORTO. NATAL. TEATRO. INTERNACIONAL.
(PONTI –OPORTO. CHRISTMAS. THEATRE. INTERNATIONAL)
The event was initially an initiative of the Ministry of Culture and has since been taken on by the São João National Theatre as a strategic
vehicle.
It is a key part of the project of European public theatre organised by this National Theatre as a forum for contemporary theatre.
It is one of the most important festivals on the European circuit.
It takes place in December.
RED BULL AIR RACE
This is an air race which tests the pilots’ skills. It first took place in 2007 in Oporto, on the River Douro, on the Riverfront, which is
classified as World Heritage.
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It has an annual audience of over a million people.
http://www.redbullairrace.com/
ESSÊNCIA DO VINHO (ESSENCE OF WINE)
This is an event which offers visitors the opportunity to try and taste wines from all over the world in a fun and interactive environment.
It takes place at the Stock Exchange Palace from 6th to 9th March.
http://www.essenciadovinho.com/
HISTORIC CENTRE NATIONAL DAY
This took place for the first time on March 28th, 2008, this event was enormously successful, both because of the variety of activities
available, music, cinema, gastronomy, guided tours, and the fact that it was popular with the local population.
Organised by Porto Lazer, EM, it involved the Palácio da Bolsa, the Ordem de São Francisco, São João National Theatre, Casa do Infante,
Clérigos Brotherhood, Cabido Portucalense and Archaeosite of Rua de D. Hugo, which opened their doors to all the visitors who wished to
attend activities free-of-charge.
We also would like to highlight two other events which, despite not taking place in the Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage, also
contribute to attracting many visitors. These are the International Oporto Puppet Festival, which takes place at Praça de D. João I, from
12th to 20th September, as well as the Boavista Circuit, with competitions of historic content, which take place annually on this route.
Worth mentioning is the World Sports Masters – GT and the pre-1974 prototypes.
Alongside these programmed, annual events, there are also hundreds of other cultural, leisure activities which directly or indirectly
contribute for the affirmation of the Historic Centre as an important cultural forum.
In recent years other contemporary and urban activities been gaining prominence, such as the event, “If this street were mine” and the
simultaneous inaugurations organised by the traders in Miguel Bombarda Street.
As far as the simultaneous inaugurations in Miguel Bombarda Street are concerned, this is a bi-monthly event which offers all local traders
and artists a special sample with entertainment and street performances, imbuing the area with a vibrant, innovative and creative spirit.
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TRADITIONS
In terms of traditional or popular festivities, the Historic Centre of Oporto still hosts some of the most charismatic traditions of the city,
which are described below:
SÃO JOÃO FESTIVAL
São João Festival, which is part of the Festivals of the Popular Saints, or June Festivals (celebrations which were historically related to the
pagan festival of the summer solstice, which used to be celebrated on June 24th, according to the Julian calendar), is a great mass
celebration. Celebrated from the 23rd to the 24th June, it is the most popular festival in Oporto and it is the ritual which stirs the most
passion and joy in the people from Oporto, and one that is considered to be the greatest popular festival in the Country and one of the
greatest in the world.
Although Lapa, Bonfim and Fontaínhas have long been considered the bastion of this festival in Oporto, there was a mobile aspect to this
celebration. Currently in the whole of the Historic Centre and in other zones of the city and until dawn, more than 500 thousand people
roam the streets, where aromatic herbs and plants are sold, particularly dwarf basil, leek, carnations and lemon-balm. These plants are
associated to customs and popular beliefs that only the older generation remembers: leek must be cut at midnight and placed behind
doors to keep spirits away; basil and balm serve as protective talismans.
Accompanied by the smell of grilled sardines, the animated scenes by the bonfires, the traditional music and the launching of balloons
from the old quarters, at midnight the crowd gathers on the banks of the Douro and at the several spots of the Historic Centre to watch
the firework show on the river and D. Luís I Bridge.
In Oporto tradition the “cascatas” (model scenes) are essential documents of the popular creativity. Until a few years ago, it was an
artistic expression done mostly by children, in groups or individually, in their houses, under staircases, among other places. Anything can
be used to assemble a São João “cascata”, which resembles a nativity scene, where some figures are common. Clay figures represent
daily scenes, processions, pilgrimages, flocks and, the images of saints are placed at the highest point, with particular focus on São João
Baptista. The most famous and popular “cascata” in Oporto is that of Fontaínhas, with real life figures which represent the baptism of
Christ.
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SÃO PEDRO DE MIRAGAIA FESTIVAL
The Portuguese writer Camilo Castelo Branco wrote about this Festival: “a fabulous amount of cracking sounds, an indescribable inferno of
bonfires, the supernatural consumption of wine barrels, fried linguiça sausages, whiting steaks and countless drinking binges. That huge
sand area is not enough to hold the floods of people who flow from the upper streets (…), hailing the saints and swearing obscenities and
insolences against the late tavern keeper who provides another jug”.
Celebrated on June 29th with illuminations and partying, music and popular dances, this is a traditional pilgrimage of the riverside parish,
in which the saint is prayed to and to whom inhabitants are devoted. It used to be celebrated after São João and it even achieved greater
popularity in the mid 18th century.
SENHORA DO Ó FESTIVAL
Nossa Senhora do Ó Festival ends September’s festival season. It takes place on the last Sunday of that month, in the chapel of Largo do
Terreiro in São Nicolau, by the river, and its most solemn moment is the procession, following the streets in the riverfront area of the
borough with the standards of the Confrarias (Brotherhoods). This celebration disappeared for 150 years and was revived in the 1980s.
SÃO NICOLAU FESTIVAL
Before Christmas, the calendar of the popular festivals ends with the religious and civilian festivity also known as “Festa dos Meninos”
(Festival of the Children). It was celebrated in honour of São Nicolau. This celebration is different from the others, as it is dedicated to
children. On December 5th, the day before the festival, the boys from the São Nicolau Parish had to gather wood for the fire, which meant
walking around the city ringing bells and crying “Who gives wood or a stick for the fire of Saint Nick! Who gives wood or matweed, or shirt
tails!” They collected everything that could be burnt and by dusk they started a monumental bonfire in the church yard, where they
roasted chestnuts provided by the abbot of the parish. Nowadays the festival is quite different. Although the tradition of roasting
chestnuts has been maintained, the children are taken to the festival by their school and nursery teachers, where they receive presents
from São Nicolau. It reappeared in the 1990s, after half a century of oblivion, with the aim of “making this legendary figure real and
essentially transmitting a message of protection for children”. São Nicolau arrives at Estiva Pier by boat, suitably dressed up as the
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Archbishop of Mira, and the children from that zone awaited him, singing and dancing in tribute to this figure who has served as
inspiration for Father Christmas. Eventually there is a welcoming ceremony at São Francisco Church.
Despite the great diversity and quantity of activities being carried out, the cultural programme is still irregular and unbalanced.
By analysing the current provision, we can see that there are months with very few programmed events, such as January, March and,
curiously enough, August, the busiest month in terms of tourism.
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3.6.3 CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
When consolidating World Heritage classification, the image of any respective site is a crucial component, as it transmits the uniqueness
that initially led to the classification. That very image is made up of multiple contributions and it is an element which is increasingly
present on the political agenda, namely through the notion of creativity, which must be part and parcel of the abovementioned
contributions. Taking this premise into account, it is worth analysing the entities which are agents of creative industries. It is important to
understand, primarily, the structural aspects of these agents that constitute the ecology of the place and then, from their discourse, move
towards an analysis of their perspectives/ aspirations.
It is therefore essential to firstly highlight those that are most prominent, given their importance for constructing of the Historic Centre of
Oporto’s image in the area classified as World Heritage.
Shops selling handicrafts and related activities (14) and bars (12) are the most numerous, immediately followed by design (10) and
architecture studios (9). These types of activities are joined by other complementary places, which range from cultural associations,
ceramics studios, photography and fine arts, art schools, galleries, bookshops, antique shops, archives, museums, theatres, clothes
shops, furniture shops, musical instruments shops, stationeries and publications, in a total of 100 different places.
Once these numbers are recognised, it is perceived that there is an orientation of the Historic Centre towards activities related with
culture, as well a strong tendency to attract creative activities. Common to all of this is the fact that they are all recent, as 53% of the
places contacted date back to after 2000 and 25% of the agents have moved into this area of the city in the last two years.
This is even more striking in the case of the studios and the commerce geared towards a young, urban audience. Allied with the emergent
nature of the initiatives, it is also important to understand the profile of those involved in them. It must be stressed that the
overwhelming majority of these private initiatives are led by young, qualified creative people. The average age of those involved is
between 27 and 49 and, in terms of qualifications, 60% of the places contacted employ staff with a higher education background and
40% have finished upper secondary school, with this data being more significant than the 23% of the places with staff who completed the
9th year of the 3rd Cycle4 of compulsory education.
4
It must be clarified that the total of the percentages clearly goes beyond 100%, as each space can employ assistants with different levels of education.
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In terms of residence of these people, in 30% of the places staff live in the Historic Centre of Oporto or in its surrounding areas. This
points towards the fact that the Historic Centre is now a workplace, although there is still a process of change underway to make this area
a more attractive one for people to live in.
Another indication of the importance of this sector is the number of jobs created; 388 full-time, 148 part-time and 44 non-paid voluntary/
training work.
As part of this sketch of the creative sector and its agents, apart from the mobilisation of people through employability, it is also worth
pointing out the number of people mobilised as part of the audience. Here the data points towards a need to increase the attractiveness
of the respective activities, with 52% of places achieving up to 150 weekly visits and 21% between 150 and 300. The number of weekly
visits goes up to 1800, but with insignificant values of applicability. An important part of this group of visitors is made up of tourists (40%
in an annual volume). As this is a crucial target-group for the respective area, there is still a problem which has to do with the seasonal
character of tourism, highlighted by 59% of the places.
Once the profile of the agents of the creative sector is understood, it is important to highlight their connection with the place they are
located in and, more specifically, with the brand World Heritage. In this respect, and at a first level, it is important to perceive an
intention of participation in the process of rehabilitation and promotion of the Historic Centre. Especially among the younger, more
creative young agents, moving into this area is quite intentional. However, no reference is made to the brand “World Heritage” as one of
the reasons identified as one of the advantages of being located in the Historic Centre of Oporto. Moreover, according to these entities,
only 40% say they use the brand, with this not done in a consolidated manner and where a relative lack of awareness about the potential
of that brand is evident, alongside with a use which is too connected with its symbolic component, due to an absence of objective,
materialised identity5.
The relationship with the place can only be fully understood if the advantages and the disadvantages associated to the location are
known. In this respect, there are several issues in terms of advantages: attractiveness to tourism (43%), symbolic characteristics6 (38%)
and central location (30%). In terms of symbolic characteristics, which include all the opinions of those who define advantages of location
as being an obvious place. Together with its central location, they allow us to detect an acknowledgement by the agents about the
5
Expressive of an extreme point of view about the non use of the brand World Heritage is the statement by one of the people interviewed: “Using the brand World Heritage
means promoting ruins and constitutes an incentive to recklessness.”
6
Personal attraction to the space (beauty), identification and personal experience with traditions in the place.
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importance of this area. It is also important to mention the less cited advantages: area of residence (2%), low rents (6%) and
neighbourhood relationships (7%).
As far as disadvantages are concerned, the most significant are: parking spaces and traffic (37%), degradation/ abandonment of
buildings (17%), street cleaning and degradation of social environment (both with 13%). All of these disadvantages point directly to the
transmitted image of the place, a matter which has already been referred to as crucial for the consolidation of the classification as World
Heritage. In this sense, it is also in this negative area that we find challenges and opportunities for those operating in the field.
Those considered to be a priority and common across the board by the agents are the economic crisis, parking spaces and traffic, poor
events promotion, cleanliness of the streets and the slowness of rehabilitation projects. In terms of opportunities, the most frequently
mentioned are the improvements to the Historic Centre, environmental effects, investment in distinctiveness, the growth in tourism and
the expansion of entities (at physical and initiative levels). Of all these contributions, which are complemented by other opinions, some
figure as crucial challenges, according to the agents who promote the place. All of these challenges relate to that Historic Centre that is
more experienced than classified, and they all point towards its effective revitalization as a mechanism to boost the World Heritage brand.
Attracting young, creative people is essential to make the Historic Centre dynamic, in terms of associating a dynamic, broad-minded
image with World Heritage, inspired by the young people who live, work and enjoy themselves here. An important element in this process
is opening times, and using them to avoid the Historic Centre being deserted when services close.
This process of consolidating the attractiveness of the Historic Centre, it is important to consider the processes that might result from it,
for example property speculation. Once established, it is a phenomenon whose perverse effects must be considered, because in an
attempt to attract the young, it eventually means they have to leave, with creative agents who cannot afford the rise in rents. But beyond
this matter, real estate speculation is also responsible for processes of expulsion of local populations. Bearing in mind the importance of
tourism for this area, distinctiveness is a key factor for its consolidation and this is achieved by something more than work on buildings
façades. Distinctiveness is clearly built by investing in the creative sector, but we must not forget that Oporto is known for its people and
the hospitality that they are famous for, namely because of the visibility of good neighbourhood relations that still exist in some areas of
the Historic Centre.
Basically, although an important factor, renovated buildings in themselves do not ensure distinctiveness, as it may be susceptible to
imitation and because it runs the risk of not going beyond so-called cultural pastiche. It is therefore very important to pay special
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attention to the process of making the local populations aware that they themselves are a significant part of the history of this unique
place.
Still on the subject of distinctiveness, another important challenge is that of the unqualified provision which still abounds in the Historic
Centre of Oporto. Examples can be found at Almeida Garrett Square and Mouzinho da Silveira Street, which have unqualified commercial
spaces, such as souvenir shops which mainly sell low-cost handicraft which are totally uncharacteristic of the site. These examples of
commerce, but also regarding restaurants, it is vital to promote quality criteria for activities located in the Historic Centre, particularly in
its classified area. These criteria should be governed by a logic which, not compromising the necessary price variation, ensures that there
is no deprivation of character in provision so as to guarantee the place itself maintains its authentic characteristics.
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CHAPTER IV
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
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CHAPTER IV
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
DYNAMIC
RIVERSIDE FRONT
WOODED STREET
PUBLIC GARDEN
WOODED SQUARE
GREEN WILD AREA
GREEN SEMI-PUBLIC AREA
PAVED SQUARE
MUSEUM
THEATER
PROPOSED MUSEUM
PRIMITIVE WALL
FERDINAND WALL
LIMIT OF THE AREA INCLUDED IN
THE UNESCO LIST
LIMIT OF the AREA OF
INTERVENTION OF THE
"CRUARB/CH" - ACT Nº67/97,
OF 31 OF DECEMBER
LIMIT OF PROTECTION
AREA (BUFFER ZONE)
Map nº 15 - Opportunities and Challenges
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Based on an analysis and reflection on the different contexts of the Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage, five key challenges and five
key opportunities have been identified. In short, we can identify the following aspects as central elements that are characteristic of the
Historic Centre of Oporto World Heritage, making it possible to reach the challenges and opportunities presented:
Degradation of buildings, although benefiting from an existing strategy of rehabilitation and maintenance;
Acute population loss and ageing of the resident population;
High rate of unemployment and low levels of training and qualification of the resident population, although there is a growing
demand for premises and the establishment of new cultural and creative businesses can be observed;
Complex legal and institutional system, with multiple actors and entities with authority;
Obsolete company structure, with difficulty in attracting and maintaining clients, except in the sectors of tourism, restaurant and
bar, clothes and accessories shops and increasing set up of creative businesses;
Area assessed by visitors and shop owners as being “dirty” and unsafe;
Growing phenomenon of tourism, as a result of the strong increase of the number of tourists and visitors.
The five great challenges and the five great opportunities presented contextualise the intended process of regeneration to transform this
area into a “Human Place of Excellence”.
Challenges:
Impoverishment of the historic and artistic heritage due to lack of maintenance and appreciation;
Acute loss and ageing of population, high unemployment rate and low levels of training and qualification of the resident
population;
Area considered “dirty” and unsafe, showing lack of organisation and qualification of the existing tourism provision;
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Creative businesses still very isolated, hidden away and lacking strong expression, lack of confidence and entrepreneurism;
Degradation of buildings and little appreciation of the connection to the river Douro.
Opportunities:
Historic and artistic heritage of universal value, with its preservation and protection on main political, economic and socio-cultural
agendas of the city/ region;
Strong cultural identity;
Growing phenomenon of tourism, as a result of the strong increase of the number of tourists and visitors, with the Historic Centre
of Oporto mentioned in the National Strategic Plan for Tourism (“PENT”) as a differentiating resource, foundation of the regional
tourism offer;
Creative businesses, creative organisations and processes being set up in the Historic Centre of Oporto, with the physical
regeneration of the cultural heritage geared towards cultural and creative functions;
Unique relationship of the entire area classified as World Heritage with the River Douro.
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