Category: Civil Architecture > Swimming Pool
District: Porto > Matosinhos > Leça da Palmeira > Piscinas de Marés
Located in Leça da Palmeira, municipality of Matosinhos, on the beach next to the Atlantic Ocean, district of Porto.
The pools were designed by the famous Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, between 1960 and 1973. The project is part of his early works and reflects the harmonious integration of architecture with the natural rocky landscape of the coast.
They are two natural pools, fed by seawater, ideal for those looking to swim in saltwater in an environment more protected than the open sea.
In 2011, they were classified as a National Monument. Since 2017, they have been under consideration to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with other works by Siza Vieira.
The pools are open only during the bathing season, usually between June and September, and are managed by the municipal company Matosinhos Sport.
Over the years, they have undergone several renovations to ensure the preservation of the structure and facilities. One of the last major interventions took place between 2019 and 2021, with the direct participation of the architect Siza Vieira.
The architecture of the pools reflects the idea of creating an artificial space that seems to belong naturally to the surrounding rocky landscape, providing a unique experience.
Access to the pool area is via paths that allow you to observe the landscape and the sea, making it a pleasant option for both bathing and appreciating the beauty of the location.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_pools_of_Leça_de_Palmeira
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.19279849327262,-8.707543998513472
Coordinates DMS: 41°11'34.1"N 08°42'27.2"W