Oporto

o'por'to, the chief seaport of Portugal. The name is Portuguese, meaning the port. It is situated on the northern bank of the Douro River, three miles from the Atlantic. The river is spanned by a railroad bridge of open iron work. The principal arch has a span of 520 feet, and is 195 feet high in the clear. A foot and vehicle bridge of similar construction has a span of 566 feet and a height of 200. The site is precipitous, giving the city and streets a quaint, terraced appearance. The principal buildings are a fine Gothic cathedral and the archbishop's palace. A granite tower 200 feet high commands a magnificent view of the ocean. It can be seen far out at sea. An old monastery has been converted into an English club house. The floors and walls are inlaid in striking devices with rich woods from Brazil. The city is noted for shipments of port, a wine taking its name from that of the city. Genuine port comes from a district sixty miles up the river, having an area twenty-seven miles in length and five or six in breadth. Port is a favorite wine, especially with English-speaking people. Other important exports are oranges, onions, and olives. Cork of excellent quality is exported. Portugese sumac is in demand for tanning. The present population of the city is about 175,000.