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CULTURE, HISTORY AND TRADITIONS
Cais de Gaia, in Vila Nova de Gaia, is a street (or perhaps a borough) located on the south bank of the Douro River, where Port Wine cellars are located. Here we can find several “footprints” of Port Wine history and discover the Culture of this Region.
In past times, Rabelo Boats would berth on the banks of the river, to unload wine barrels from wineries in the Douro Region. The wine was then aged and stored in these cellars for 10, 20 or even 50 years, to acquire its distinctive characteristics. Today this area of the city provides visitors with a journey through the history of Portuguese wine:
– The traditional rabelo boats, now restored, perform tours on the Douro River;
– Port Wine Cellars organize guided tours, wine tastings and even Fado shows and other events;
– The recently opened WOW (World of Wine) Museum is also a showcase of the history of this region, through different experiences.
Besides the historical importance of this area of the city, the boarding pier for the cruises is located here, as well as the Cable Car station that “flies over” the city until Jardim do Morro, next to the upper deck of D. Luís Bridge (that allows for pedestrian and Light Rail transit, between Gaia and Porto).
Overlooking Ribeira do Porto, Cais de Gaia was the recipient of the Tourism Award – Added Value to a Public Space, and has several esplanades, bars and restaurants.
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