Porto is one of Europe´s most beautiful and important historical cities. Many tourism awards were received by the city in the last years .

Originally called Portucale under the Suedes, Porto became a bishopric under the Goths before being conquered by the Moors in 997 under El Mansur.

Marked indelibly by the River Douro, the Historical Centre of Porto constitutes a unique urban landscape, characterized by the wealth and diversity of its architecture and its panoramic beauty. Its urban development dates back to Roman times, and the aesthetic value of different epochs can be found all over the city, incorporating Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassic and Modern styles. However there is a unifying vision in Porto, exemplified by the harmonious communion between its streets and the river, between the urban and the natural.

From the picturesque streets of downtown Porto historical centre to the churches and monuments, which offer spots of unrivalled beauty, meandering along romantic routes, cruises on the River Douro, laying down at its beaches still within the city limits, visits to the port wine Cellars, the imposing presence of the São Bento train station, the Clérigos Tower, the Stock Exchange Palace, the architecture of Casa da Música (House of Music), the Serralves Contemporary Museum collection, or the Dragão football stadium, there are many reasons why the city of Porto was classified, in 1996, as World Heritage by UNESCO as well as European BEST destination in different years and categories.

Porto is located on the north-west coast of Portugal along the Douro river estuary. The 900 year old city of Porto, which won the title of best European destination in 2017 (as well as in 2012 and 2014), is one of the oldest European centres.

Porto is also known as the “city of bridges”. The most famous is the 72 m-high Luis I bridge, completed in 1886. The Infante bridge, with a 280 m span is the world’s largest single span concrete bridge. Further east is the Gustave Eiffel’s Dona Maria Pia bridge, an iron railway bridge, which was used up until 1991 when it was replaced by the adjacent São João bridge with its three concrete arches.

This gracious capital of the north is the second-largest city of Portugal and a thriving industrial hub, successfully blending commercial efficiency with an atmosphere of unpretentious charm. Rich from centuries of trade, modern Porto is as much a cosmopolitan center as it is a city steeped in the historical events of the past.

Additionally, Porto is famous by the Port wine cellars that can be found across the south Douro river shore. In summary, a wonderful city providing a unique atmosphere and character together with an outstanding perspective of history, food and wine (Portugal has more than 300 endogenous grape varieties) and the always recognized Porto people hospitality. Porto inhabitants are one of the most welcoming and friendly people in the World.

We are very honoured to host the 15th FBPS and we sincerely look forward to welcoming you in Porto to enjoy great science, sharing ideas and networking, while experience our hospitality, our cuisine and (of course) our Porto wines (Port and table wines), interacting with the Atlantic Ocean and the Douro River, in a unique environment.