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 built between the 12th and 13th centuries, 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. In addition to the outdoor reenactments, there will be guided tours, performative moments, and educational activities that strengthen the connection between the Monastery, its memory, and the medieval context recreated.

More than a festive celebration, Hospitalários no Caminho de Santiago is an opportunity to bring the community closer to its history, while valuing the legacy of the Monastery and the role of the Order of the Hospitallers in organizing the territory and protecting pilgrims. It is both an educational and cultural experience that showcases the rich heritage of Matosinhos and the northern region of Portugal.

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.