National Day of Historical Centres, or “Dia Nacional dos Centros Históricos” is an event celebrated in Portugal that aims to promote and celebrate the cultural heritage and historical significance of the country’s historical centres. This celebration also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and safeguarding historical centres against modernization, urban development, and other threats that could potentially compromise their authenticity and cultural value.
Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1996, the Historic Centre of Porto celebrates, once again, the date with a vast cultural and recreational offer involving various activities such as guided tours, exhibitions, concerts, street performances, artisan markets, and cultural events. The objective is to encourage both locals and tourists to explore and appreciate the historical richness of these areas. The year 2024, for example, had a program consisting of more than 80 activities, with initiatives for all audiences, including children and families, to which the vast majority are free, but some subject to prior registration.
Several guided tours took place, for example to the inside of the Clérigos Tower and Museum and to the Church of São José das Taipas. “Porto in the 2nd half of the 19th century: the Photographic Houses” is another of the proposals that were included in the program, in the category of guided tours and it took participants on a short route through the area surrounding the Portuguese Photography Centre, “Largo Amor de Perdição”. Another highlight was the guided tour to the Carmo Quartel, headquarters of the GNR Territorial Command of Porto, and the Hospital Pharmacy of the Museu do Centro Hospitalar do Porto.
Music was also one of the guests of this edition and several concerts took place, and gave us a soundtrack to a weekend dedicated to culture and history. The Choir of the Historic Centre of Porto took the stage at Palácio das Artes, and the String Quartet of the Chamber Orchestra of the GNR, takes the stage at the Church of São José das Taipas. The Clérigos Church also presented the multimedia show Spiritus.
The Symphonic Band of the Republican National Guard performs in Terreiro da Sé. Theatre and performance “O Berço” was also presented. The show focuses on the “Torre dos 24”, former headquarters of Porto’s first City Council and the birthplace of the city. Theatre was also present at São Bento Station and Rua das Flores with the animation “Fuga à Peste”, a traveling theatre show, and at the top of the wooden staircase of Cais da Ribeira and with the Luís I Bridge as a backdrop, the performance “A Voz da Ribeira” was presented. All of these initiatives had free access, subject to the capacity of some venues.
The National Day of Historical Centers is an opportunity for communities to come together, celebrate their heritage, and raise awareness about the significance of these historic areas in shaping the identity and character of Portugal. See you next year!
