ELECTRIC CAR MUSEUM
Inaugurated in 1992, the Museu do Carro Eléctrico has a collection of electric cars and other support cars that circulated in Porto and that marked the history of urban transport on city rails. Also part of its estate is an example of American cars, of animal traction, that circulated for the first time in Porto in 1872.
Installed in the former Massarelos Thermoelectric Power Station, a building classified as of municipal interest, the museum also exhibits a series of original equipment that were intended for the production and transformation of the electric energy that fed the electric traction network throughout the entire century. XX.
The Museum offers different programs of educational and entertainment services and has a documentation and information center. It also offers space rental and electric car services and event organization.
CALEM GARDEN
Small garden space that is almost at the mouth of the Douro River.
It offers magnificent views over the river and it stands out the tall black poplars, as well as a monument that recalls the Ceuta expedition of 1415. The Garden extends through lined plane trees, which extend to the Passeio Alegre.
Along the way, in Sobreiras, some lawns and plantations of trees and shrubs expand the green space.
FOZ
Foz is a chic parish right at the mouth of the Douro. The real name is Foz do Douro, but the locals simply call it Foz. The coast has a mixed relief with rocky parts and sandy beaches, and there is an excellent geological walk with informative signs right next to the cafes and restaurants in the area. The São João da Foz Castle (an old fortress from the 16th century) is next to the sea, near a small lighthouse that marks the exit from the Douro to the Atlantic.
There is a style from Foz regarding attitude and fashion. Everyone in Porto knows what that means. The wealthy people tend to live here, but it remains a pleasant and inviting place, whatever their social level. One of Porto's historic tram lines ends at Jardim do Passeio Alegre. If you have time and feel like being by the sea it is worth going to Foz.
MATOSINHOS BEACH
Praia de Matosinhos, with an immense sand, offers spaces for the practice of various activities, such as volleyball and beach soccer, surfing and bodyboarding.
This beach has several supports for bathers, such as renting awnings, sunbeds, bars and toilets. Fishing is a very present activity on this beach.
The statues that exist there prove this, in a kind of homage to fishermen and families.
CHEESE CASTLE
If you head north from Foz along Avenida do Brasil (which later turns into Avenida Montevideu) you will cross Castelo do Queijo on the rocky coast.
The fort was named after the rocks on which it was built resembled pieces of cheese. The official name is Forte de São Francisco Xavier. The fort is very beaten by the sea. It is an excellent place to feel the sea breeze on your face. The Castelo do Queijo marks the end of Avenida da Boavista.
There is a plaque embedded in the center to commemorate the races of the Grand Prix of Porto (Boavista Circuit).
FELGUEIRAS LIGHTHOUSE
Neoclassical hexagonal lighthouse, ten meters high, dated 1886.
It has a balcony and red lanterns and a small annex building with plastered walls painted in white.
The designation "Molhe de Felgueiras" was attributed to it because it was built towards the Felgueiras rock, to the West.
It was modernized in 1945 and automated in 1979, being controlled at a distance from the Leça lighthouse. In the 90s it underwent conservation works.
Before its deactivation, in 2009, the beacon had a range of 9 nautical kilometers, emitting red lightning every 5 seconds.
Currently, it only maintains the audible signal.
ANEMONA ROUNDABOUT
Secure by three metal posts, this gigantic 42-meter diameter net moves with the wind, imitating the movement of anemones. It is a sculpture in constant mutation, and, for that reason, they gave the name She moves (It moves). But we treat her affectionately by anemone.
Unfortunately, our anemone has been experiencing some difficulties. In 2007 the structure started to deteriorate rapidly due to weather conditions. The Municipality of Matosinhos and Janet Echelman reached an agreement regarding the rehabilitation of the sculpture, and the artist promised to pay for the replacement of the network, since it had a 5-year warranty.
More recently, the night lighting system, which was in the garden under the sculpture, was vandalized, with a loss of € 20,000 in property damage. The Mayor appealed to the population to provide any information that would lead to the capture of the people who did this damage. For this reason, I believe that more than ever Anemone needs the nocturnal eye of the population, to ensure the safety of its beloved sculpture.