REACTIVATION OF ONE OF THE OLDEST WAY OF ST. JAMES – 11KM FROM PORTO CATHEDRAL TO MONASTERY OF LEÇA DO BALIO

A tourist and cultural venture between the cities of Porto and Matosinhos in the Way of St. James circuits: the 11 km that connect Porto Cathedral to Monastery of Leça do Balio. With several stops along the way, designed to welcome not only pilgrims but also enthusiasts of outdoor life, hiking, and culture, the 11 km of great historical and heritage value are prepared for all who seek them.

The reactivation of one of the oldest paths of the Way of St. James was proposed, on-site, to the tourist operators of the region on May 19, 2021, with the aim of enhancing the offer with a new cultural and tourism product adapted to modern times. The route, guided by the historian Joel Cleto starting at Porto Cathedral and ending at Leça do Balio Monastery, with several stops along the way, animated with historical reenactments, provided moments of interaction with the participants, recreating some of the dangers that pilgrims faced.

The action with tourist operators aimed to empower the territory with a new offer of cultural hiking capable of "turning tourists into travelers, bringing knowledge of the stories and legends of our territory, while revitalizing one of the oldest Caminos," says Francisca Pedro Pinto. "With this product, we aim for the necessary reinvention in the face of the new profile of tourists that we are already starting to see, travelers seeking nature, spirituality, and culture," she continues.

"We understand that this Camino route has great potential. It is an opportunity for those visiting Porto to walk 11km of the Camino de Santiago. It has the right distance to be traveled on foot and adjusts very well to the desires and expectations of all who want to enjoy the outdoors, but in an enriching and even liberating way. Combining culture with the spirituality that the Camino carries, these 11 km will certainly be in high demand."

This initiative was part of the Património em Rede project, which brought together the Municipalities of Lamego and Matosinhos and ANCIMA (Association for the Animation of the City of Matosinhos) with the aim of promoting the paths in the Jacobean Holy year. For this purpose, a special program was designed at different locations along the route, including music, theatre, dance, circus, street animation, book launches, film production on the theme, among others.