Legends from the City of Porto

From ghosts to Porto-style tripe dish, we do not want you to miss out on some of the iconic legends that represent this north city.

1) The Ghost of S. Bento Station

8 minutes away from Hotel Moon & Sun Porto, São Bento Station represents a great historical symbol of the city and a daily passage for hundreds of visitors. However, what many are unaware of is the history of this building, which was once known as the "Convento de São Bento da Avé Maria".

 

Legend has it that, around 1834, an order was declared for the extinction of all religious orders. In that decree, it was mentioned that religious orders where only women were housed (as in this Convent), should be extinguished when the last resident nun died.

 

Due to that, it was only in 1892 that the construction of a railway station was considered on the site, upon the death of this last nun. Therein resides the myth of the ghost of S. Bento, due to this "stubborn" sister and religious believer. It is said that, during the nights, it is possible to hear her prayers through the corridors of the station.

2) The Mystery of Port Wine

Around 1679, a vessel left the city of Porto towards London, with barrels of Port wine. Unfortunately, that same vessel was attacked by a French consortium which, in a rescue attempt, changed the entire travel route.

 

They ended up resupplying in São João da Terra Nova and only continued their journey the following Spring, to avoid the severe Winter they were experiencing. Surprisingly, this stay in the region made the wine acquire a pleasant scent and flavour, which made the wine be recognized worldwide and consequently aged in the region until today.

 

Come and taste the best drink in the region directly at Hotel Moon & Sun Porto.

3) The Origin of "Tripas" and “Tripeiros"

Legend has it that the nickname “Tripeiros” (to name the people of Porto) derives from the sacrifice made by the population of Porto in 1415 in support of Infante D. Henrique, offering food to his ships that left for Ceuta and just keeping the remains, known as “the tripas”.

 

Another myth related to this dish occurs during the time of the Suevi, who began their expansion after the fall of the Roman Empire and made Porto their main city. As “tripas” was part of their diet, it became a local gastronomic dish, again demonstrating a sign of resilience of Porto citizens.

 

Taste this traditional Porto dish at Casa Correia, just a 7-minute walk from Hotel Moon & Sun Porto.