Fernandine Wall (Saint John Novo Section)

Category: Military Architecture > Walls

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > São João Novo

Location

This section of the imposing Fernandine Wall is located within the urban fabric of Porto, in the area known as São João Novo. Its strategic position, on the elevated levels of the historic city, allows visitors a visual understanding of Porto's geography and how the city developed. From this point, one can observe the intricate network of streets and rooftops that make up the old center, sometimes with glimpses of the surrounding Douro River landscape, evoking its original function of defense and watch over the city and its access routes.

The stretch is an integral part of the local landscape, harmonizing with the adjacent buildings and the characteristic hilly terrain of Porto. Its presence invites exploration on foot of the surrounding areas, where the past blends organically with the city's everyday life.

The Medieval Wall and Its History

The Fernandine Wall, of which this section is a part, was built in the 14th century, during the reign of Dom Fernando I. Its construction was a direct response to the economic and demographic growth of Porto, which had already outgrown the limits of its older and more modest defenses. This colossal fortification project aimed to protect a city in full expansion, ensuring the safety of its inhabitants and their commercial activities.

The impressiveness of this wall marked a milestone in the city's history, consolidating its defense and outlining its medieval urban contours. Its layout was intelligently adapted to Porto's hilly topography, winding through hills and valleys to form a continuous and robust barrier against potential threats.

Architectural Features and Value

The section of the Fernandine Wall in São João Novo is a remarkable example of medieval defensive architecture. Its walls, built predominantly from local granite, display the solidity and robustness typical of structures designed to withstand time and assaults. It is possible to observe the considerable thickness of its walls, which attest to the scale of the constructive effort and the ingenuity of the architects and workers of the time.

The stone, often worked irregularly but masterfully laid, reveals the durability of a work that has endured for centuries, remaining a tangible testament to the city's military past. This segment offers an authentic perspective on the scale and materiality of the defenses that once surrounded Porto, underscoring its value as historical and architectural heritage.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt