Walls of D. Fernando/Fernandina Wall, Medieval defensive wall in Porto, Portugal.
The Walls of D. Fernando are a medieval defensive fortification that once surrounded Porto's historic center, built as a protective barrier around the growing city. Stone sections with quadrangular towers remain visible today, particularly between the Convent of Santa Clara and the Luis I Bridge.
King Fernando I initiated construction of this protective structure in the late 14th century as the city grew rapidly. Its completion marked an important moment in Porto's development as a fortified urban center.
The remaining wall sections show how medieval Porto protected its residents and defined the city's boundaries. Today visitors can see how people used this structure to organize and defend their community.
The best way to explore the walls is to walk along their visible sections scattered throughout the old city in different areas. It helps to plan ahead to locate the individual fragments and understand how they relate to each other spatially.
The Carvão Gate is the last surviving main entrance of the original structure and stands close to the river. Its position reveals the historical importance of water access for the city's functions and trade.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
