Bandeirinha da Saúde Viewpoint

Category: Civil Architecture > Viewpoint

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Bandeirinha

Location

The Bandeirinha da Saúde Viewpoint is located in the city of Porto, in the area known as Bandeirinha. Its elevated position offers a wide perspective over the Douro River and the banks of Vila Nova de Gaia. From here, one's gaze sweeps over the river's course and the cluster of houses stretching across the slopes, creating a distinctive frame of the riverside landscape of the Invicta (Undefeated City).

A Pillar of History and Health

This site, whose construction spanned between 1597 and 1633, was once a vital landmark in the protection of Porto's public health. During a period when the spread of diseases was a constant threat, the Bandeirinha da Saúde operated as a sanitary control point for vessels arriving in the city via the Douro estuary. Upon sighting a ship, a flag would be hoisted on the pillar, signaling the obligation to stop for a rigorous inspection. This essential measure aimed to safeguard the population from severe epidemics, such as the plague, demonstrating the concern for collective well-being that characterized the city centuries ago.

A Glimpse of the Landscape

Although it lost its original function in the 18th century, the Bandeirinha da Saúde pillar remains in its place, as a silent testament to bygone eras. Currently, at the top of the structure, a metal plate flag marks the memory of its historical importance. This spot invites a peaceful pause to appreciate the beauty of the Douro and the urban panorama that unfolds between the two banks, offering a unique and less common perspective of the city of Porto and its history.

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