Porto - Matosinhos

Porto is the gateway to this Path. City open to the world since medieval times, with well-established international and national marketing routes, by sea, river and land. A port of refuge for the traveller, near the mouth of the Douro River, a commercial and customs warehouse, it became an important crossing point for the medieval route of the Portuguese Way of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims who arrivived at the Ribeira quay would have to follow the Roman-medieval route through the streets of Mercadores and Bainharia, with a moment of prayer and rest in the Church of Santa Maria (Cathedral). Continuing afterwards towards the Olival, to take the path that would meet their moral needs. Currently, more touristy, the city of Porto begins the Way, on a stage to Matosinhos where, according to legend, the origin of shells/scallops is explained here as one of the main symbols of pilgrims who, every year, travel the paths of Santiago de Compostela.