Matosinhos/Porto

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Matosinhos is located around ten kilometres northwest of Porto on the Atlantic Ocean. The harbour town has been a well-known place of pilgrimage since the 16th century, with the architecturally and artistically significant Igreja Matriz do Bom Jesus church, which was built between 1559 and 1579 by the important architect João de Ruão. 

Archaeological finds prove the presence of humans as early as the Palaeolithic Age, and there is evidence of a prehistoric settlement dating back to at least the Neolithic Age. A Bronze Age settlement was occupied and inhabited by the Romans. Later, in the late early Middle Ages, the Mosteiro de Bouças monastery was built here. Today, the town is a harbour and industrial city in the Porto metropolitan region, but is also known for its sports and beaches.

In the summer months, Matosinhos becomes a lively holiday destination. The inhabitants of Porto in particular flock to the city's golden sandy beaches, which are located on both sides of the harbour. The harbour town is also famous for its fish restaurants, which serve freshly caught fish and seafood from local fishermen. At lunchtime, the smell of grilled fish wafts through the harbour district.