Porto’s (Oporto) urban centre dates from approximately 8th Century BC, in the Late Bronze Age. This ancient settlement has had significant trade connections to the Mediterranean Basin. Porto was brought under Roman rule, majestic buildings were raised, and it enacted control over a major itinerary between Braga and Lisbon.

Initially, Porto was called Portus Cale, or Port of Gaia, the name of the pagan earth goddess, and later changed to Portucale, hence Portugal; the country was named after the city, not vice-versa.

Celtic and pre-Celtic ruins of citadels were discovered in the present-day area of Porto’s city centre, proving its existence long before its recorded history in Roman times. In the 8th Century AD, the Moors invaded Lusitania, a Roman province encompassing the present territory of Portugal, but were unable to take control of Portucale.