Rua das Flores (Flowers Street), Porto

Vegetable and lush flower gardens gave this street its name. In fact, the land used for the street was originally the gardens of Pedro Alvarez da Costa, Bishop of Porto. He was devoted to Saint Catherine of Mount Sinai. The initial name for the street was "Saint Catherine Flowers Street", opened in 1525 in the reign of King Manuel.

With the construction of the street came the end of prohibitions of Nobility settling in the city and the rise of the bourgeoisie. Flowers Street was a host to these historic developments. Exact regulations arose regarding the type of housing permitted. The fronts on the street were standardized, ensuring clear visibility of facades.

There was some urban aristocracy, but most of the street housed tradespeople. There were mechanics, cobblers, metalworkers, bricklayers and blacksmiths. There was a demand for skilled artisans to build for the developing middle class.

Today, the street is still in fashion. It is a pedestrianized zone, ideal for casual walking and sight seeing.