The Hospitallers on the Way of St. James return from 9 to 14 September in the area surrounding the Monastery of Leça do Balio

From September 9 to 14, 2025, the area surrounding the Monastery of Leça do Balio will once again host Hospitalários no Caminho de Santiago, one of the most emblematic cultural events in the municipality of Matosinhos. This historical reenactment takes the public back to the Middle Ages, highlighting the central role of the Monastery in the history of Portugal and in the network of pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela.

For six days, the space will be transformed into an authentic medieval setting: artisans, merchants, reenactors, and street performers will bring to life the daily routines of the time. Visitors will be able to watch historical performances, explore themed markets, taste delicacies inspired by ancestral recipes, and take part in a wide variety of cultural and recreational activities. The event has already become an annual tradition, where leisure, culture, and heritage intertwine.

The Monastery of Leça do Balio, a National Monument, stands at the heart of this initiative. Once the headquarters of the Order of the Hospitallers in Portugal, it played a crucial role in welcoming pilgrims traveling along the Camino de Santiago. It was also the stage for significant historical events, such as the marriage of King Ferdinand I and Leonor Teles in 1372, one of the most remarkable episodes in Portuguese history.

Throughout the event, access to the interior of the Monastery will be offered under preferential conditions, allowing visitors to discover this site of exceptional historical value. By combining historical reenactment, cultural activities, and heritage appreciation, Hospitalários no Caminho de Santiago reaffirms the Monastery of Leça do Balio as a space of living memory and a place of encounter, inviting everyone to embark on this journey into the Middle Ages.