Category: Civil Architecture > Marine Terminal
District: Porto > Matosinhos > Senhora da Hora
The Leixões Cruise Terminal stands imposingly on the South Mole of the Port of Leixões, located in Senhora da Hora, within the municipality of Matosinhos. Its strategic position on the coast offers a direct connection with the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastal landscape.
This location allows for an unobstructed view of the sea, integrating harmoniously into the port and urban environment that surrounds it, marking a distinct presence by the sea.
Inaugurated in 2015, the Leixões Cruise Terminal stands out for its bold architecture, a creation by architect Luís Pedro Silva. With a spiral shape rising about 40 meters, the building is remarkable for its complexity and beauty.
Its surface is clad with approximately one million white tiles from Viúva Lamego, which, with variations in natural light, produce a dynamic and captivating visual effect, giving it a unique identity. The terminal's distinctive design has earned it international recognition and awards in the field of architecture.
This modern terminal was designed to be one of the region's main maritime entry points. Its quay, of considerable length, can accommodate some of the largest cruise ships currently in existence, facilitating passenger access and departure.
Beyond its primary function as a point of arrival and departure for travelers, the project aspired to and achieved greater integration of the port with the life of the city of Matosinhos, facilitating a connection between maritime dynamism and the local community.
A particular aspect of the Leixões Cruise Terminal is that it houses important research centers dedicated to marine sciences. Within its facilities are installations of the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) of the University of Porto, as well as other research units dedicated to areas such as biology and underwater robotics.
This confluence of a passenger terminal and a center of scientific knowledge confers a singular cultural and educational dimension to the building, where functionality meets innovation.
The terminal's architecture invites discovery and tranquility. On its roof, accessible to visitors, there is a space that offers a privileged and vast perspective over the Atlantic Ocean.
It is a place designed to enjoy a stunning panorama of the horizon, the movement of the waves, and the vessels that sail the sea, providing moments to observe the grandeur of the maritime landscape that characterizes this part of the Portuguese coast. This is an ideal viewpoint for contemplation and appreciation of the natural surroundings.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.17725717027, -8.7020883216216
Coordinates DMS: 41°10'38.1"N 08°42'7.5"W
On-duty Pharmacy Senhora da Hora
