Ribeira do Porto was elected as one of the "movie treasures" in Europe

The creation of the "Treasures of European Film Culture" list is an initiative of the European Film Academy. This list was created to promote and preserve places and spaces that are symbolic of European cinema. Porto's historical area was considered a "cinematographic treasure" by the European Film Academy, which recalls three emblematic films by Manoel de Oliveira with this area in the background. If it was already a good time to come and visit this wonderful and idyllic area of the city of Porto, this is your chance!

Porto is one of the oldest cities in Portugal, and its rich cultural heritage has made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. The Ribeira district is one of the most charming and photogenic neighborhoods in Portugal's second-largest city, where it is easy to find traces of its history: from medieval houses overlooking the river to former warehouses converted into trendy stores.

The Ribeira district also has a lot of character: you'll find plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes that serve delicious authentic Portuguese food or amazing wine while you enjoy a pleasant landscape with the Douro river in sight.

© Aniki Bóbó , Manoel de Oliveira via RTP

One of the main protagonists for this award, besides Ribeira of course, is Manuel Oliveira the Portuguese filmmaker from Porto. The only filmmaker with the longest career in cinema, counting 84 years making films, he kept his career up to 106 years old. The movies from Manuel Oliveira that have Ribeira in the background and were selected by European Fim Academy to attribute this prize to Porto were, "Douro, Faina Fluvial"(1931), "Aniki Bobó" (1942), and "Porto da Minha Infância" (2001).

 © Aniki Bóbó , Manoel de Oliveira

The city's effort to preserve what makes it unique has been praised by many visitors and locals alike. "I am very pleased. For many years there has been a great effort since the Ribeira do Porto is part of the World Cultural Heritage. There is a great effort of rehabilitation, keeping what is the original design of the Ribeira with its bridges, its houses, and its people. There is a material and immaterial heritage that spans several centuries and several architectures." says City Mayor Rui Moreira.

Ribeira do Porto is among 22 locations throughout Europe with historical value that "must be maintained and protected, now and for future generations".