Matosinhos, Coastal municipality in Porto District, Portugal
Matosinhos is a coastal municipality in Porto District between Porto and Vila do Conde, stretching over 62 square kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean. The territory includes several sandy beaches and a major port area that shapes its economic character.
King Manuel I granted the municipality its charter in 1514, recognizing its role as a food supplier to expanding Porto. This royal recognition marked the start of its administrative independence and regional economic importance.
The Mercado de Matosinhos, set in a 1950s modernist building, reveals how fishing and farming shaped daily life for generations. Walking through its stalls, you see how the sea remains central to the community's identity and work.
The Porto Metro connects Matosinhos directly to central Porto, making it easy to explore the area. Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport sits partially within the municipality, offering convenient regional access.
The Port of Leixões was built in the late 1800s and became Portugal's second-largest artificial harbor. It continues to support fishing and industry today, making the area a vital maritime hub.
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