Porto’s Historic Centre, with places such as Ribeira and Sé, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. But more than a “title”, it is an identity in motion: streets where the past continues to speak to the present, and where the city recognises itself in everything that is authentic.
This year, World of Discoveries joins the initiatives organised by Porto City Council with a proposal that feels deeply connected to our mission: a guided visit that links Porto to the Portuguese maritime epic, from a more human, more real, more Porto perspective.
Our activity is called “Porto, Porta do Mundo: a cidade que lançou os portugueses ao mar”. Above all, it is an invitation to look at the city with new eyes.
Because before the departures, before the routes and the maps, there was a city at work. A living riverfront. People who knew how to read the river, build, repair, guide and trade. River workers, masters, pilots, carpenters and merchants, people whose experience and skill helped make maritime expansion possible.
On this visit, we value the Historic Centre not only as a backdrop, but as a structural part of the story: a place where territory, urban life and the imagination of the Discoveries intersect in a concrete way.
The initiative is part of “MALHA. Porto, Património de Pessoas”, which marks 30 years since the Historic Centre was recognised as World Heritage.
And the name says it all: because beyond buildings and monuments, it also celebrates the people who live Porto and give it life every day, the community, the gestures, the routines, and the stories that continue to unfold.
It’s a rare opportunity to rediscover Porto without rushing, to understand more clearly what shaped it, and to reinforce an essential idea: protecting this heritage is also caring for the future.
Pumpkin Awards celebrate the best of Portugal for families, and World of Discoveries is nominated for Best Weekend Activity – Porto. If you’ve visited us, or believe in bringing History closer to children, vote for World of Discoveries from 12–20 March 2026.
Carnival at World of Discoveries arrived with “Legends and Masks”, filling the Museum with colour, creativity and family-friendly energy. With theatrical moments, special décor and mask activities, each visit became participatory and memorable.
Valentine’s Day at World of Discoveries showed that History can be lived in an emotional, surprising way. With “Love Stories from beyond the seas” and the “Postcards Além-Mar” challenge, love became a story to hear, write, and share.
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