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The bustling suburb
of Vila Nova da Gaia lies opposite Oporto on the steep
south bank of the mighty River Douro. Sitting on top of
a pre-Roman fortified hamlet, it was given town status
in 1255 by King Afonso III and then bequeathed to the
aristocracy in order to counteract the power of the
bishops of neighbouring Oporto, who were charging
unreasonably high shipping tolls at the time.
Gaia today is
dominated by the Port wine lodges, with over fifty wine
companies based in its narrow, twisting streets. Here,
the ageing and blending of most of the world's supply of
Port wine takes place beneath a sea of red roofs
emblazoned with some of the most famous names in
winemaking.
For more information
about other regions, click on the following links:
(Information provided
by Portuguese tourism board)
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