After more narrow streets we get to a plaza ...with some colorful houses. The Square originates in an old medieval market. It was transformed in the 18th century,by initiative of João de Almada e Melo and with the support of the British consul John Whitehead. The western buildings that reach the intermediate platband, and the beautiful background fountain, or on the side opposite to the river,are the only built elements of the original diagram. The opening of Rua de São João, over the old riverbed of Rio da Vila, or to put through (telephone) the lower and the higher parts of town,also dates from this period. In 1821, the section of the Ferdinand wall that demarcated the southern side of the square was demolished. #5 is the S. Louis Bridge, or Planned by the engineer Teophile Seyrig,the Luis I Bridge was inaugurated in 31 October 1886. It comprises two metallic platforms, sustained by a big iron arch and five piers. The upper platform is 391, or 25 meters long and the lower platform is 174 meters long. #6 and #7 are :The Suspended Bridge was inaugurated in February 1843,following a diagram of the engineer Estanislau Bigot, who also directed the works. The bridge is inactive since 1887 and its only remains are the two granite piers (now incomplete) of the northern side, and who used to sustain the suspended bridge. The ruins of the two-storey house of the military guard can also still be seen. #8 #9 #10 are views of the ''ribeira enact porto'' from the bridge...you can see the colorful houses even tho was a grey day and a storm coming closer. taken 07feb10
Source: cnn.com