Men settled here by the Douro River a long time ago. The Romans called it Portus Cale from which Portugal is derived. It was during the Middle Ages that this city grew, on the north banks. Today some of the old neighbourhoods can still be seen. The famous Port wine was sailed down the river from the Alto Douro. The climate and soil are well suited for vineyards and in the 18th century the Real Companhia Vinícola do Douro was formed. This association helped in the agricultural, commercial and industrial development. Porto became prosperous which in turn led to the cultural and artistic development. Some of the great structures/buildings can found here: the iron bridges, the Torre dos Clérigos (tower), the Sé Catedral (Cathedral), and the São Bento Railway Station among others.
Many notable Portuguese are from Porto: Almeida Garrett, Raúl Brandão, Ramalho Ortigão among others.
