Fish Refrigeration Building or Massarelos Fish Auction or Fish Refrigeration Warehouse

Category: Civil Architecture > Building

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Massarelos

Location

This remarkable building is located in the parish of Lordelo do Ouro e Massarelos, in the city of Porto. It is situated on Alameda de Basílio Teles, in an area with a direct connection to the banks of the Douro River, offering a perspective of its integration into the city's riverside environment.

Its presence by the river alludes to its original function and the port dynamics that once characterized this area of Massarelos.

History and Primary Function

Built in the 1930s, this building is a testament to Porto's industrial and commercial history. Over time, it has been known by several names that attest to its relevance, such as the Old Warehouses of Massarelos, the Fish Cold Storage Warehouse, and the Fish Market.

Its design was primarily intended to serve as a refrigerated warehouse for fish, playing a crucial role in the preservation and distribution of fish in the region and the city, highlighting the importance of the fishing industry to the local economy.

Architectural Expression

The building was designed by the architect Januário Godinho and represents a notable example of modern Portuguese industrial architecture. Its construction in reinforced concrete gives it a robustness and an aesthetic characteristic of the era.

Inside, the impressive vastness of the main hall stands out, a space that, due to its scale and structure, reveals the functionality for which it was designed, while also offering a glimpse into the construction innovation of its time.

Value and Recognition

The importance of this property was formally recognized in 1977 when it was classified as a Building of Public Interest. This classification underscores its heritage, historical, and cultural value to the city of Porto.

Its preservation is a tribute to the memory of the fishing industry and its associated logistics, elements that significantly shaped the urban and economic development of the region throughout the 20th century.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armazéns_Frigoríficos_de_Massarelos

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt