Matosinhos
The toponym Matosinhos is mentioned in the 11th century in reference to the village of Matesinus, which belonged to the monastery of Bouças. The history of the county has, in fact, always been linked to the history of this Monastery. It is believed that this building was constructed before the year of 944. In 1853 the town of Matosinhos was created and, after a short-lived rise as a county in 1867, which only lasted 20 days, the county was definitely created in 1909. Its elevation to city occurred on June 28th 1984. Located close to river Douro, Matosinhos is one of the largest cities in Porto's district, possessing one of the largest ports for entry of goods: the port of Leixões. This, together with the TIR terminal of Freixieiro and Exponor (Exhibition Park and Congress Center) are essential structures for the development and economy of the county. Contemporary architecture is a big bet in the city, most notably the works of Álvaro Siza Vieira, born in Matosinhos, as the Piscina das Marés and Casa de Chá da Boa Nova. But this is not all. Also names like Souto Moura, Fernando Távora and Alcino Soutinho have amazing works here. Its gastronomy benefits from the proximity of the sea, being the county known as the "dining room" of Porto district. In fact, the restaurants proliferate in Matosinhos, especially on the waterfront, where the bet in the fish and seafood is notorious.
Best restaurants in Matosinhos
World Food
35.00 €
From an old warehouse an original restaurant was born! This elegant space, decorated in a minimal...
Traditional Portuguese
20.00 €
A larg restaurant that functions as a shellfish house, a beer house and a snack-bar. It has tradi...
Traditional Portuguese
25.00 €
A refined restaurant located in a manor, with two dining rooms and a bar where the hors d'oeuvres...
Traditional Portuguese
40.00 €
Restaurant located at the waterfront of Matosinhos, with a decor inspired by the book d ´ Os Lusí...
Best Of Matosinhos
Axis Porto Business & Spa Hotel
Matosinhos
Hotel unit with excellent accessibility, at few minutes from the University of Porto, Pole of the Hospital of St. John and of the entries of the A3 and A4. The space is spread over nine floors, showing, in the decoration, ...
Batô
Matosinhos
One of the most traditional discos in the northern region, that has animated the Leça nights for many years. Its interior re-creates a galleon that sails to the sound of alternative music.
Casa Museu Abel Salazar
Matosinhos
After Abel Salazar passed away, in 1946, the Abel Salazar Foundation was created and it promoted the opening to the public of this House-Museum, with the exhibition of art works by the master. This is the place to enjoy small sculptures, drawings, paintings and personal use objects.
Farol da Boa Nova
Matosinhos
The Boa Nova Lighthouse began functioning in 1926 and housed the Lighthouse School until 1962. It is the second biggest lighthouse in the country with a tower 46 metres tall. Between 2003 and 2004 it underwent works which led to ...
Forte de Leça da Palmeira / Castelo de Matosinhos
Matosinhos
This construction of the 1600s is shaped like a 4 points star, each of them protected by sentry-boxes. The vestiges of this dfensive fortress may be viewed in the Dr. Antunes Guimarães avenue, the Rampa do Castelo and the Santa Catarina street.
Igreja do Senhor do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos
Matosinhos
A Renaissance building of the 16th century, that underwent remodellation works in the 18th century according to plans by Nicolau Nasoni. Inside the temple, a special note to some of the most important golden carvings by baroque artists in the ...
Mosteiro de Leça do Balio
Matosinhos
The Monastery of Leça do Balio, that already existed in the 10th century, was profoundly altered during the 14th century according to plans by Estêvão Vasques Pimentel. During the 16th century it also underwent several interventions by Diogo Pires, o "Moço" (young lad). The monastery's church, restored in 1930, is one of the most important examples of gothic arquitecture in ...
Museu da Quinta de Santiago
Matosinhos
Built by João Santiago de Carvalho e Sousa at the end of the 19th century, according to a plan by the Italian architect Nicola Bigaglia. In 1968, the Town Hall of Matosinhos acquired the building and the surrounding garden and ...
Museu de Jazigos Minerais Portugueses
Matosinhos
This museum, located at the Laboratório do Instituto Geológico e Mineiro (Laboratory of the Geology and Mining Institute), features one of the best and most complete national collections of the main Portuguese mines. A special note to the kaolin exploration ...
Obelisco da Memória
Matosinhos
An obelisc to remember the disembarkment of the liberal troops commanded by Dom Pedro IV, in 1832.
Padrão do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos
Matosinhos
An 18th century monument composed of a granite crucifix covered by tiles and by a dome, with a square plan. The apostles are represented in the interior corners.
Parque Basílio Teles
Matosinhos
Located just by the "Paços do Concelho", the Basílio Teles Park welcomes various cultural events, namely the "Matosinhos em Jazz" music Festival. It has a bandstand a children's playground. It is a magnificent green area, full of leafy trees and ...
Piscina das Marés
Matosinhos
The "Piscina das Marés" (Tidal wave swimming pool) was created by the architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. Its construction started in 1961 and it was inaugurated in 1966.
Ponte de Dom Goimil
Matosinhos
Trestle bridge with a pointed arch built in masonry of irregular granite and dated from medieval times (XIII-XIV centuries). It lies in the ancient "via veteris," main connection from the port at the mouth of the river Ave. is believed ...
Ponte do Carro
Matosinhos
A medieval bridge above an arch, built in irregular granite and classed a Public Interest Construction.
Praia da Memória
Matosinhos
The only beach in the parish that received the Blue Flag in 2003.A very pleasant beach albeit a bit windy.It has a park with protected dunes and the obelisc that commemorates the disembarkment of the liberal troops in 1832.It has ...
Praia de Leça da Palmeira
Matosinhos
A pleasant beach, much attended, mostly by young people.It has a surf school where one may rent surfing material and learn about this activity.There is a beach volleyball tournament every year.It has several bars whre light meals are served and ...
Praia de Matosinhos
Matosinhos
A beach that was recently remodelled, with a rather pleasant esplanade.It has modern terraces where light meals are served and that are the meting point of many youngsters in the evening.There are several quality shellfish houses and restaurants in the ...
Praia do Aterro
Matosinhos
A beach with a wide sand area and just a few rocks, ideal for a peaceful day at the beach.It has excellent conditions for surfing and bodyboard.It has a restaurant with accessible prices
Praia Pedras do Corgo
Matosinhos
A pleasant beach that is rather attended by young people.It has conditions for practising surf and windsurf. It has a pleasant terrace.
Quinta da Conceição
Matosinhos
A magnificent green area, with leafy woods, ideal for strolling and for practising sports. A special note to the remnants of a manuelin door, part of a collection of various epochs and styles, the waterspouts and thee fountain of São ...
Quinta de Santa Cruz do Bispo
Matosinhos
In the Farm of Santa Cruz do Bispo, a special note to a portal by Nicolau Nasoni. The ground floor has important decorative elements, namely the sculpture that ends two windows in the façade.
Quinta do Chantre
Matosinhos
Built in the 18th century, this manor and estate feature a markedly baroque style, probably planned by Nicolau Nasoni. The house, the chapel, the fountains, the garden window and the entrance are all classed as a Public Interest Construction.
Zona Marginal da Boa Nova
Matosinhos
The marginal zone of the newly restored good news resulted from a project of Álvaro Siza Vieira and António Madureira. Start your walk on the beach of the landfill, now with walkways through the dunes and passing by a Surf ...
Zona Marginal de Matosinhos
Matosinhos
The marginal zone of Matosinhos is well harnessed, being a great space for a stroll on a hot summer day, having several cafes with terraces inviting to take a drink while watching the sea.