Exclusive visit to the Geophysical Institute of Porto

3 Reviews
Guided tours Tours Culture & history Sightseeing Museums & exhibitions Educational activities Viewing points Private tours

Explore the Geophysical Institute bunker to discover the truth about the American secret hidden here. Take the opportunity to enjoy the incredible view you will have of the city of Porto.

Highlights

  • Visit a seismic station that is part of a worldwide network created in 1960's
  • Be in the only place on earth where one can see Porto's 6 bridges
  • Learn the role of this place in the Cold War between the USA and USSR
  • Meet our enthusiastic guides, Geology students from Porto Faculty of Sciences
  • Learn how this station feels both earthquakes and nuclear tests

Description

In Gaia, in the middle of Serra do Pilar, there is a centenary building that goes almost unnoticed in the landscape: it is the Geophysical Institute of the University of Porto. Created in 1885 behind the Monastery of Serra do Pilar, the Institute keeps a big secret. A seismic station built in 1962 by the United States of America, officially for 'scientific research', but which put Porto on the map of the cold war between the two superpowers. The visits will be guided by young geologists of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto that will talk about the lie that led to the construction of 127 seismic stations in the world, the nuclear arms race, the differences between the waves created by nuclear tests and earthquakes and how to calculate the epicenter of an earthquake. Back to the open air, a delicious surprise will highlight the celebration of the unique view over the 6 bridges that connect Porto and Gaia.

Includes

Possibility to learn a lot about the Cold War and Seismology; Unique view of the city of Porto and the 6 bridges; The visit lasts about 60 minutes; The visit will be in English.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Directions

Gallery

Check availability

My Lists

Create New Guide

OR

Mini Guides
Arrow

Login to create your guides for Porto.

Add to My Guide

Create New Guide

Cancel

Cancel

Book Things To Do in Porto

We Are Part of the My Guide Network!

My Guide Porto is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides.

We are now in 180+ Destinations and Growing. If you are interested in becoming a local travel partner and would like to find out more then click for more info about our Website Business Opportunity.

Nearby Destinations

Events in Porto

Please select a Date first.

Search for a company in Porto