At Porto Secreto we are always on the lookout for the best plans and itineraries, covering the best of the cultural agenda gastronomic novelties. At the same time, we also like to share some curiosities that mark the imaginary of Porto. For example, do you know the smallest street in Porto?
It’s called Rua Afonso Martins Alho and it connects Mouzinho da Silveira to Rua das Flores. This street is no longer than 30 meters and is therefore the smallest street in Porto. Still, it has a great story behind it, just as you’d expect.
Don’t you know his story? Have you ever heard the expression “thin as garlic”? Do you think it could be related? It’s quite possible. So read on with us.
The story behind the name of Porto’s smallest street
Afonso Martins Alho was a merchant from Porto who held the position of councillor in the Porto City Council around the 14th century. It is said that he was a man of great negotiating power, very clever and cunning.
It is precisely because of all these characteristics of this Porto merchant that the expression “fine as garlic” began to appear, and this “saying” eternalized the astute and perceptive personality of Afonso Martins Alho.
In addition, this figure ended up giving his name to a street in Porto due to his fundamental role in the agreement of 1353, during the reign of King Afonso IV, between England and Portugal.
Once again, a cartoonish and interesting story about Invicta is told through a street which, in this case, also has the title of the smallest street in Porto!