Curiosities

The Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP), including its Botanic Garden and Biodiversity Salon - Ciência Viva Center, is the first Portuguese institution to become an official member of the Global Alliance "United for #Biodiversity", promoted by the European Commission.

The Invicta still longs for the magnificent building that once stood as the Palácio de Cristal, which names the place where now stands the Super Bock Arena- Pavilhão Rosa Mota. Since then, it is one of the most sought for sites in Porto, with its splendid viewpoints overlooking the river Douro or for a nice walk under the Linden Avenue, the 'Avenida das Tílias', which is a privileged space of Porto Book fair, organised by Porto City Hall, and where renowned figures of the Arts are honoured...

It was 125 years ago that the first electrified lines started to operate in Porto, the first in the Iberian Peninsula, in the moment when the car that can be visited at the Tramway Museum in Porto, went up the Restauração Street in Porto, on 12th September 1895.

Visit the Church of São Francisco, in Porto and discover a most impressive gilded woodcarving alterpice. Its altarpieces originated in the Gothic era, and assumed a nationalist character during the 17th century, reaching its height in the reign of King D. João V.

Religious person or not, paying a visit to a unique church is an excellent way of knowing important moments of Portuguese history and the evolution of architectural styles.

A most fascinating public sculpture is located at Montevideu Avenue, in Foz, Porto. The "Homem do Leme" or "Helmsman" was inaugurated on 27 January 1938 and has its own cultural curiosity.

The rehabilitation project of the Botanical Garden of Porto - Natural History Museum and the Science of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP) was one of the winners in the category "Parks and Gardens" of the International Architecture Awards 2019, the largest and oldest annual public celebration of architecture at global level.

The Palácio da Bolsa, in Porto, is an amazing national monument designed in 1842 by Joaquim da Costa Lima, in neoclassical style. It is located in the Historic Centre of Porto and it is one of the most visited monuments of the Invicta.

Hundred-year-old palm trees that stand in the Gardens of the Palácio de Cristal have been legally protected. This reinforces the Municipality's commitment towards preserving the urban greening in the city of Porto.

A huge 150 years old Metrosideros that sits at the Gardens of Palácio de Cristal has been classified as a "Public Interest Vegetation" by the Nature and Forests Conservation Institute (ICNF), upon request by Porto City Hall.