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Praça de Nove de Abril

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Do you know why this square is called Praca de Nove de Abril? It’s a fitting name for this place that was once a bustling center of life and a crucial source of water for Porto. Before the city was connected to water networks, the people of Porto relied on natural springs for their water needs. The most important spring was located right here, in what we now call the Jardim Arca d’Água in the heart of Praca de Nove de Abril. This spring was known as Arca das Três Fontes because there were three springs where the water flowed. You can still see the remnants of the water system beneath this square. For centuries, this spring provided clean, refreshing water to the thirsty people of Porto. It was the main source that sustained many of the city’s fountains and water sources. But as the city grew and the population increased, the once-abundant spring couldn’t meet the city’s demands. So, they looked to the Rio Sousa to find a new source of water. The construction of a new water system that would connect to the Rio Sousa was completed around 1607, eventually replacing the spring system. The Jardim Arca d’Água was created in 1928 and the spring was mostly forgotten. Yet, the name Praca de Nove de Abril has stayed with this square, and to many locals, it’s still known as Arca d’Água, reminding us of a time when life in Porto was built around this precious natural resource.

Learning about Praça de Nove de Abril in Porto is only the beginning of your adventure. Explory helps you go further with a powerful digital guide that transforms every walk into an experience. Using our intuitive city guide, you can easily connect stories with locations, creating your own city tour while enjoying Porto at your own rhythm. Explory’s goal is to make your trip unforgettable. Our guide combines storytelling with orientation, giving you the chance to uncover the rich layers of Porto. Thanks to the integrated audio guide, you can listen to fascinating narratives while exploring the streets. Beyond the well-known attractions, Explory highlights hidden gems and secret corners that make the city truly unique. With the city guide, you’ll gain insights and flexibility. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular traveler, the app offers exploration on your terms. Each curated city tour blends local culture, history, and atmosphere into one seamless experience. The emphasis on exploration ensures you won’t just see Porto, but actually connect with it. And because our content reveals hidden gems, you’ll always discover something new. Expand your journey by downloading the Explory App. Explore over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories, all accessible from your phone. Whether you need a trusted guide, a flexible audio guide, or a structured city tour, Explory offers everything in one place. Start your adventure today and explore Porto like never before with Explory.

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