Send Gift Baskets to Porto, Portugal

One of the area’s earliest known inhabitants is Proto-Celtic and Celtic people. The Romans later inhabited this region, and several ruins from their period have been found in various parts of Britain. Archaeological excavations have indicated that humans were living near the mouth of the Douro river as early as the 8th century B.C.B.C., a hint that ancient Phoenicians there might have been trading.

The town grew as an important trade hub during the Roman occupation, and they traded with nearby cities of Olissipona and Bracara Augusta, among others. Porto is an important city for Christianity, and it was a focal point during the Suebian and Visigoth times and helped spread Christian teachings.

Porto first fell under Moorish rule in the 711 invasions of the Iberian Peninsula. It was reconquered from Muslim rule by the Count of Porto, Vímara Peres, a vassal of Alfonso III, King Léon, and Galicia. This included Portus Cale and what’s now known as Vila Nova de Gaia. This area of Portugal was initially given the name Portucale, which later developed into the word ‘Portugal.’ 868 Count Vímara Peres established the County of Portugal, usually known as Condado Portucalense. While it may be hard to pronounce, it’s easy to remember because he founded the county after reconquering regions north of Douro.

In 1387, Porto was the site of John I of Portugal‘s marriage to Philippa of Lancaster, daughter of John. This alliance signaled a long-standing military partnership between Portugal and England. The Portuguese-English alliance, or the Treaty of Windsor, is the oldest military alliance documented in history.

Porto contributed to the development of Portuguese shipbuilding in the late 1400s or early 1500s. One of the earliest explorers in Portugal’s history, Prince Henry the Navigator, had a legacy spanning more than half a century. From his native City of Porto, he left to conquer Ceuta – Morocco’s northernmost African port and most successful medieval outpost. This voyage was followed by Henry, the king’s son, who navigated and explored the coastline on Africa’s western coast. This led to a period of discovery for Portugal. In the days of old, the citizens of Porto were given the nickname tripeiros (tripe people) because they are still called that today. Many from the City of Porto state that tripe represents the heart and soul of their culinary tradition. Today, many restaurants in Porto serve it as a delicacy garnering its appreciation. The dish’s association with high-quality cuts of meat from Porto or Portugal could be responsible for this.