Summary
Within Porto’s Metropolitan Area, São Mamede de Infesta is located a short distance north of this captivating UNESCO city. It is remarkably straightforward to access the center of Porto, offering enough sightseeing and cultural opportunities to leave you astonished, whether you visit vibrant historic town squares, Baroque churches, or remarkable landmarks such as the Clérigos Church or the Dom Luís I Bridge.
São Mamede de Infesta is technically part of the harbor city of Matosinhos and is mere moments from the ocean as well as the finest seafood restaurants in the region. The coastline will feature prominently in your plans, whether you wish to enjoy the beach or leisurely stroll along the promenade while observing the Atlantic waves.
Let us explore the most notable attractions in São Mamede de Infesta:
1. Porto Riverside
To embark on your journey in Porto, consider starting at the Praça da Ribeira by the Douro River.
This lively and vibrant gathering place is surrounded by tall, painted buildings featuring arcades, with the river to the south.
The spirited São João festivities occur here on June 23rd, and during the rest of the year, it remains an essential stop for a coffee or refreshing drink.
The Douro River is central to Porto’s charm, complemented by the striking Dom Luís I Bridge, crafted by a co-founder of the Eiffel company, and the historic port wine cellars that ascend the slope on the left bank at Vila Nova de Gaia.
One can also cross over for one of the best viewpoints of the city from the terrace of the Setta do Pilar monastery.
2. Porto City Centre
Ascending the hill from Ribeira, one reaches Bairro da Sé, a somewhat gritty neighborhood filled with a labyrinth of streets established in medieval times.
The buildings, whether painted or adorned with tiles, often lean or extend over the roads, casting shade for the majority of the day.
Further up, the streets expand as you near Praça da Liberdade, which was redesigned in the 18th century.
This area, where Porto extended beyond its ancient walls, features upscale shops and theaters, in addition to the Majestic Café, an exquisite masterpiece of Art Nouveau.
The Clérigos Church, with its towering spire measuring 75.6 meters, conceived by Baroque architect Nicolau Nasoni, stands as another iconic symbol in this part of the city.
3. Matosinhos
São Mamede de Infesta constitutes a parish of this city, the historical center of which is directly on the oceanfront a few minutes to the west.
Matosinhos is renowned for its abundant fish and seafood, available both in its eateries and exceptional market, and boasts a charming historic district featuring steep, narrow streets and stairways.
In the summer, the undeniable allure is the beach, the largest in the Porto area, which has recently been awarded the Blue Flag.
When conditions allow, surfable waves can also be enjoyed.
For families traveling with children, the aquarium Sea Life Porto offers a delightful experience.
4. Serralves
This expansive art and architecture complex is rich with offerings.
Serralves features a stunning Art Deco villa, Casa de Serralves, accompanied by a contemporary art museum established in 1999, both set within beautifully landscaped gardens.
Casa de Serralves was constructed between 1925 and 1944 for the second Count of Vizela, involving some prominent Art Deco artisans; the wrought iron gates were created by Edgar Brandt, and René Lalique designed the skylight.
The museum building, designed by esteemed architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, incorporates meticulous attention to detail, down to the doorknobs.
Visitors might enter solely to admire the structure, yet there are as many as five distinct exhibitions at any given time, ensuring ample artistic appeal.
5. Quinta do Covelo
For relaxation or to entertain children, there exists an exceptional park a few kilometers toward the center of Porto.
This eight-hectare green space, filled with oaks and pines, previously belonged to the noble estate after which it is named.
There are intriguing remnants of this past purpose; the estate’s historical agricultural fields have been replaced by Porto’s municipal greenhouses.
In the lower area of the park lie the ruins of the estate’s Baroque mansion and chapel, left abandoned since being bombed during the Siege of Porto in 1832 and 1833.
6. Casa da Música
In 2005, Porto inaugurated this impressive performance venue, designed by the renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas.
The 12-storey building incorporates numerous innovative elements, such as two walls of glass that flood the 1,300-seater auditorium with natural light.
Casa da Música attracts many visitors, and those interested in architectural details can partake in a daytime tour.
In addition to the grand auditorium, guided tours include the VIP and Renaissance halls, both adorned with glazed tiles, reflecting Portuguese and Dutch heritage.
Return in the evening to experience cultural offerings at the home of the National Orchestra of Porto.
7. Museu da Farmácia
This museum officially opened its doors in 2015, coinciding with the introduction of a genuine Islamic pharmacy interior, complete with ceramic containers and cabinets transported from Damascus, dating back to the 19th century.
This is one of two pharmacies transferred intact to the museum; the other being the Farmácia Estácio, established on Rua Sá da Bandeira in 1924. The exhibition includes healthcare-related artifacts such as ceremonial statues, vases, jars, bottles, and cases from Imperial Russia to pre-Columbian America.
8. Parque da Cidade
Portugal’s largest public park was completed in 2002 and represents a nine-year project designed by landscape architect Sidónio Pardal.
Strolling along the 10 kilometers of pathways in this peaceful 80-hectare area, one can hardly sense the presence of a bustling city.
The park features ponds, vast lawns bordered by woodlands, and many whimsical structures resembling ancient ruins.
The Pavilhão da Água, located in the northern corner of the park, houses an aquarium and engaging, interactive exhibits regarding sustainability and the water cycle, opened during Expo ’98.
9. Casa-Museu Abel Salazar
For those interested in 20th-century Portuguese history, particularly regarding the Estado Novo regime, there exists a compelling house museum near São Mamede de Infesta.
Abel Salazar was a polymath: a scientist, artist, and social thinker implicated in the Neo-Realist movement, whose ideas led to his dismissal from the University of Porto.
Thereafter, he dedicated himself to art, and his works furnish the residence where he lived for three decades.
The collection features paintings, sculptures, illustrations, and hammered copper works.
As a respected physician, visitors can peruse the second floor, which retains Salazar’s medical equipment undisturbed.
10. Cemitério de Agramonte
Although it may seem an unusual way to spend a couple of hours, this expansive 19th-century cemetery warrants a visit due to its exquisite sculptures and decorations, along with its collection of cedars, magnolias, and camellias.
The tombs and mausoleums date back to the late 1800s and early 20th century.
The cemetery was established following a cholera epidemic but redesigned in the 1860s and 1870s, encompassing the stunning main chapel.
This was later expanded at the turn of the century by influential architect José Marques da Silva, with exquisite Neo-Byzantine paintings completed by Italian artist Silvestro Silvestri in 1925.
11. Kadoorie Synagogue
The largest synagogue on the Iberian Peninsula resides just moments away in the Boavista district and serves as a cornerstone for Porto’s small Jewish community.
Guided tours are conducted on weekday afternoons, although it may be prudent to inquire via email beforehand.
This beautiful Art Deco structure commenced construction in 1929 and was completed in 1938, opening the same night as Kristallnacht in Germany. Its interior is striking, featuring Neo-Moorish decor and walls embellished with patterned glazed tiles.
As you explore the synagogue, you will receive an overview of Jewish history in Portugal, complemented by a small museum dedicated to the topic.
12. Foz do Douro
This upscale neighborhood is situated at the confluence of the River Douro and the Atlantic Ocean, bordered by a lengthy expanse of beaches stretching from the river mouth to Matosinhos a few kilometers north.
Regardless of the season, it is worthwhile to stroll along the oceanside esplanade adorned with palm and laurel trees alongside pines, featuring a pergola reminiscent of the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.
At the southern tip lies the Lighthouse-chapel of São Miguel-o-Anjo, constructed in 1527 and recognized as the nation’s oldest lighthouse.
This lighthouse became obsolete in 1886 when the Farol de Felgueiras was established at the end of an extended breakwater, frequently battered by the Atlantic waves.
13. Igreja do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos
This remarkable church is a significant piece of Portuguese national heritage, welcoming numerous pilgrims and serving as the focal point for various local religious festivities.
It began construction in the latter half of the 16th century.
However, the majority of its current architecture dates back to the mid-1700s.
This was financed by affluent local residents who amassed wealth in Brazil and entrusted Nicolau Nasoni with crafting the intricate stonework on the facade.
This colonial wealth is also reflected in the opulent gilt altarpiece and the Dutch-style organ, dating from 1685 and transported here during the mid-18th century.
14. Maia
Located less than five minutes along the N14 is the city of Maia, which boasts its own array of attractions.
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Ó is a Romanesque church that predates modern Portugal, featuring enigmatic carvings from the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in its portal and sarcophagi in its churchyard.
The ancient Leça do Balio monastery also exists here, which underwent a Gothic redesign in the 14th century by the Knights Hospitallers, who transformed it into a fortified church.
For families, the highly-rated Maia Zoo is noteworthy, being home to a greater variety of reptile species than any other destination in Portugal.
15. Food and Drink
The harbor district of Matosinhos is renowned among Porto’s residents for dining on exceptionally fresh fish and seafood.
This could entail grilled sardines, lobster, oysters, seafood rice with clams, or a mixed platter featuring tiger prawns, crab, and goose barnacles.
The variety is as extensive as it is enticing, which can be experienced firsthand at the market.
Along Rua Heróis de França, numerous establishments will grill their fish right on the street, making it challenging to pass by without indulging.
Generally, it is advisable to visit any day except Monday, as local fishermen typically refrain from operating on Sundays.
