Porto City Hall

Can you tell me which building you’re standing in front of right now? Here’s a clue: it’s not a courthouse, nor a theatre or a museum. So, what’s your guess? Equipped of 6 floors and a 70-meter-high tower, this imposing masterpiece is none other than the City Hall. Built from 1920 to 1957, this palace lookalike represents the power of Portugal’s second largest city. Behind the picturesque blue letters of “PORTO”, you can see the monument dedicated to Almeida Garrett. Is he a stranger to you? Then don’t worry, let me explain everything. He was a Porto-bred writer and poet, often said to be the pioneer of the Romantic movement in Portugal. But you’re maybe wondering, why he is not standing in front of a theatre or library instead? Well, it’s because Garrett also played an important role in politics, where he reguarly took part in the liberal movement. He even created a new political system, haped by Enlightenment thinking and the values behind the French and American Revolutions. He was placed here for his democratic values and literary contribution. Take a moment to greet him before we continue.