Maia

Maia's history started a thousand years ago. In the Middle Ages, as the settlement of the valley of Leça river and of the Douro estuary developed, the land of Maia stood out for its agricultural wealth and also other resources. The genesis of Maia intersects with the foundation of the nationality, because there are associations of Prince Afonso Henriques' education to the Mendes da Maia family, to which Gonçalo Mendes da Maia, the "Lidador", who later became the city's face, belonged. Many of the sails of the Portuguese Discoveries caravels must have come directly from the local "linhares" hands. The charter was granted by D. Manuel in the 16th century. In 1836 Maia became autonomous, but it was then extincted 21 years later. Its elevation to county took place in August 23rd 1986. Maia is currently composed of 17 parishes and is a county of contrasts, marked by both rural and urban/business areas, being the industrial zone one of the largest in the country. In addition to hosting the second most important airport of the country – Francisco Sá Carneiro international airport, it is also crossed by the main entrances to the neighboring cities and is the crossing point of the surface subway. Environment, education, sports and culture are sectors that mark the constant development of this county and that put it among the most important municipalities of Porto's district.

What to do in Maia

Quinta da Gruta

Maia

Quinta da Cave is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spaces and good use of the municipality of Maia, with 22000 square meters. Situated in the Centre of Castelo da Maia, this romantic Mansion from the early 20th century has quickly become an important dynamic polo sport and leisure. This space houses the environmental education Complex, a documentation centre, tennis …

Parque de Avioso - São Pedro

Maia

Large green space, ideal for moments of relaxation, leisure and sport. Has two watchtowers which gets a privileged view over the 60000 square meters. Has marked trails for bikes and 4.5 miles to walk. There is no shortage of shadows, trees of various species, banks or spaces. The terrace of the restaurant and the Café is another point in the …

Zoo da Maia

Maia

The Maia Zoo has as its main purpose the research, preservation and divulgation of the species, mainly at schools. This space owns a private medical establishment and qualified staff, sheltering more than 300 animals. Inside this space is the picnic area, the Pavilion of the “foquinhas” (little seals), the Mysterious Nature, the Reptiles’ Garden and the Playground.

Quinta dos Cónegos

Maia

This is an ancient recreational farm of the bishops of Oporto. It is composed of a beautiful house, with a ground floor and a noble floor, and nine windows with granite balconies of bolsters. Inside are worthy of notice the chapel with a golden woodcarver retable from the 17th century. Here you may also find the “Maia Gardens”, fountains, chapels …

Maia 360º - Torre do Lidador

Maia

Em dias selecionados, é possível subir ao miradouro da Torre do Lidador, onde funcionam os serviços da Câmara Municipal, e desfrutar de uma vista privilegiada para a Maia e toda a Área Metropolitana do Porto. Inaugurado em 2001 e com uma altura de 92 metros, este é o 5º edifício mais alto do país e o mais alto fora de …

DreamFly - Indoor Skydiving

Maia

O Indoor Skydiving é um desporto praticado num túnel de vento vertical com 3 metros de largura e 6 metros de altura, que simula a experiência de queda livre. O Indoor Skydiving é a maneira perfeita de experimentar o skydiving num ambiente seguro e controlado. Um minuto de voo equivale a uma descida de uma altitude de 4 quilómetros. Os …

Mosteiro do Divino Salvador de Moreira

Maia

The primitive monastery dates from the middle of the 9th century. The reconstruction of the new church began in the 16th century and was finished in the 18th century. The granite façade shows some austerity and the church presents a …

Cidade Desportiva da Maia

Maia

Espaço de 10 mil metros quadrados, em pleno centro da cidade da Maia, que liga em rede os vários equipamentos desportivos ali existentes: o Estádio Municipal Prof. Dr. Vieira de Carvalho, o pavilhão gimnodesportivo, os complexos de ténis e de …

Santuário Mariano de Nossa Senhora do Bom Despacho

Maia

Igreja construída em 1738, em estilo barroco, de planta longitudinal, nave única e capela-mor retangular. O interior é decorado com talha dourada, retábulos e caixotões barrocos, possui uma cruz de Malta e um vitral em honra de Nossa Senhora do …

Quinta da Boa Vista - Fundação Gramaxo

Maia

Tranquilo e verdejante parque de lazer inserido na Quinta da Boa Vista, onde é possível apreciar obras de artistas como João Cutileiro, Zulmiro de Carvalho, José Emídio ou Sobral Centeno. Existe ainda um restaurante com uma particularidade - fica dentro …

Museu de História e Etnologia da Terra da Maia

Maia

Located in the old Maia Town Hall, in the 18th century, it has two floors and large exhibition rooms.

Complexo Municipal Casa do Alto

Maia

A cultural space where several events take place such as concerts, poetry sessions, theatre and cinema, among others. It has an auditorium with 90 seats, an exhibitions room, a photography laboratory and a room with 15 computers and free Internet …

Parque Central da Maia

Maia

A wide space that has an area with trees and lawns, a big terrace and a stone-paved area.

Parque Urbano de Moutidos

Maia

A wide space with lawns and trees, stone pathways, a children's playground and a tea house.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Ó de Águas Santas

Maia

This church was the temple of the Monks of the São José de Jerusalém brotherhood, having been later given to the Religious Order of Malta. Later on, it underwent several remodelling works, presenting a façade crowned with a bell tower …

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