Tidal Pool

Category: Nature > Natural Pools

District: Porto > Matosinhos > Leça da Palmeira > Matosinhos e Leça da Palmeira

Location

Piscina das Marés is located in Leça da Palmeira, a town belonging to the municipality of Matosinhos. This unique space is built on the coastline, blending with the natural rocky environment of the seafront. Its position offers a wide perspective over the Atlantic Ocean, allowing visitors to enjoy the oceanic landscape and the energy of the waves.

Architectural Design

This site is a remarkable example of modern Portuguese architecture, designed by the renowned architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. Conceived in the 1960s, Piscina das Marés stands out for its harmonious integration into the coastline. Its concrete structures, with pure and functional lines, were designed to coexist and dialogue with the existing rock formations, creating a space where human intervention adapts to the natural landscape.

Integration with the Natural Environment

The unique characteristic of Piscina das Marés lies in how it captures ocean water. Its basins are naturally filled by the tides, providing a unique bathing experience where the Atlantic's saltwater constantly renews itself. The project includes different depth zones, adapted to various users, all framed by walls and platforms that follow the terrain's irregularities. The interaction between the concrete walls and the coastal rocks creates a scenic environment of great beauty, where the power of the sea is a constant presence.

Heritage Value

Due to its importance in the panorama of contemporary architecture and the innovative way it relates to the environment, Piscina das Marés was classified as a National Monument. This recognition underlines its cultural and historical value, making it a point of interest for those who appreciate design, engineering, and how art can shape an outdoor leisure space while respecting its natural surroundings.

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