The Barrio quarter is an intricate group of houses and alleys in the oldest part of the city and is one of the most colorful and picturesque neighborhoods of Porto. The many narrow medieval streets, the high houses that seem to bend, the clothes hanging to dry in the wires, the children playing outside… all that is a very important part of Porto’s soul. For centuries, the whole town was just only the Bairro da Sé. The bishops gave the order to build a wall that surrounded and defended the whole neighborhood. In Rua de Santana, for example, you can still see the remains of one of the old wall’s arches; and also many of the houses were built leaning against the medieval walls. All the main activities in the city took place here. Some streets still maintain in their names a sort of echo of those times: the Merchants Street, Bainharia Street (where sword scabbards were made), among other examples. In the 13th century, the city grew, the old walls were overturned, and the population occupied areas along the river, like the Ribeira. The Fado (traditional Portuguese music) houses, like the famous Casa da Mariquinhas, are also in Bairro da Sé. Some typical taverns, with traditional snacks and drinks, can be found there too.