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Wine boat on the River Douro, Porto, northern Portugal
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Wine boat on the River Douro, Porto, northern Portugal
Rebello boat for transporting wine, on the River Douro in Porto, northern Portugal.
circa 1908
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23054106
© Mary Evans / Pharcide
Alcohol Barrel Barrels Douro Navigating Navigation Oars Oporto Porto Portugal Portuguese Pulling Rope Ropes Sail Transporting Wine Rebello
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This evocative photograph captures the essence of the Douro River in Porto, northern Portugal, during the early 1900s. The serene waterway is dotted with traditional Rebello boats, each one meticulously designed for the transportation of wine barrels from the vineyards upstream to the cellars in the heart of the city. The Rebello boat in this image, with its distinctive flat-bottomed hull and long, slender shape, is skillfully navigating the meandering river. The boat's crew, dressed in traditional attire, are intently focused on their task, pulling on the ropes attached to the oars to propel the vessel forward. The barrels, filled to the brim with the region's famous Port wine, are securely stacked in the hold, their wooden staves glistening in the sunlight. The Douro River has been a vital artery for the Port wine industry since the 18th century, and the Rebello boats played a crucial role in its transportation. The steep terrain of the Douro Valley made it impossible to transport the barrels by land, so the boats were the only viable option. The boats were an integral part of the region's rich maritime heritage, and their distinctive silhouette against the backdrop of the rolling hills and terraced vineyards remains an enduring symbol of Porto's past. This photograph, taken circa 1908, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, transporting us back to a time when the Douro River was the lifeblood of Porto's wine industry. The timeless beauty of the scene, with its tranquil water, sun-dappled landscape, and the determined crew navigating the river, is a testament to the enduring allure of the Douro Valley and the rich history of Port wine.
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