Vila do Conde-Azurara Port

Category: Civil Architecture > Marina

District: Porto > Vila do Conde > Azurara > Porto de Vila do Conde-Azurara

Location

The Port of Vila do Conde-Azurara is located at the mouth of the River Ave, marking a geographical point where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. This area, in the locality of Azurara and the municipality of Vila do Conde, is distinctive for extending along opposite banks of the river, historically serving as a link between the two towns. The surrounding landscape, particularly on the Azurara side, combines urban characteristics with vast spaces that still preserve a rural natural environment, offering a view over the river's final stretch.

The Relationship with the River Ave

The existence of the Port of Vila do Conde-Azurara is intrinsically linked to the River Ave, which has shaped the development and interconnection of the two settlements over centuries. Since medieval times, Vila do Conde and Azurara grew on distinct banks, but fluvial proximity was always a unifying factor. The riverside area of Vila do Conde, for instance, highlights the river's importance to its urban core, with axes oriented towards the waterfront. The urban simplicity of Azurara, centered on an old road, also reflects its historical dependence on crossing the river.

Historical and Commercial Legacy

This location boasts a rich past as a strategic point for passage and commercial exchange. For many centuries, crossing the River Ave was a vital element of the old Estrada Velha (Old Road) that connected Porto to Viana do Castelo. Initially, this connection was made via a ferry, a testament to ancient fluvial transport practices. Later, at the end of the 18th century, a stone bridge was built to facilitate the crossing, subsequently replaced by a wooden one, and finally, at the end of the 19th century, by the current metallic bridge. The presence of an old Customs House in Vila do Conde underscores the port's role in mercantile activities and trade oversight in the region, reflecting its economic relevance since the 15th century.

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