With a privileged location on the south bank of the Tagus, Barreiro is a municipality that has modernized over the last few years, contributing to a greater and better range of services for its population and visitors.
It has an extensive waterfront, where you can stroll and relax by the Tagus, as well as other equally attractive points of interest. Let’s get to know them in this list.
Memory Space
To get to know one of the 18 municipalities in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area better , you first need to visit Espaço Memória, a structure dedicated to promoting historical and cultural heritage.
Inaugurated in 2014, Espaço Memória is home to a number of heritage, artistic and documentary collections focusing on Barreiro’s history and identity.
It is also an important research center, open to anyone interested in this place by the Tagus.
Waterfront
Every time we visit Barreiro, this area gets nicer and greener. With spaces where you can stroll and relax, this is one of the perfect showcases for looking out across Lisbon, perhaps one of the best views of the city from those on the south bank of the Tagus.
One of the most recent areas of intervention, in the parish of Verderena, it covers more than 39,000m2 , has 579 Mediterranean trees; a children’s playground ; a fitness area; a dog park; picnic tables and benches; and the continuation of the cycle path.
It’s also an area with several restaurants, perfect for a well-deserved break after a walk, and don’t forget to go to a pastry shop to try the famous Bolas de Manteiga.
City Park
With an area of approximately 89,000m2, Parque da Cidade covers the parishes of Alto Seixalinho, Santo André and Verderena, and is one of the most accessible parks to the population thanks to its central location.
In addition to various tree species, it has a picnic area, a children’s playground, skateboard and off-road bike trails, four tennis courts, climbing walls, a cafeteria with a terrace and three parking lots.
In this park you can also see various sculptures and monuments, next to the Augusto Cabrita Municipal Auditorium.
River beaches
In or near Barreiro, there are at least four river beaches that are worth a longer visit for a well-deserved summer dip: Alburrica, Praia do Clube Naval/Bico do Mexilhoeiro, Praia da Barra a Barra and Praia de Copacabana.
Generally with white sands and calm waters, it is during the summer that they are most popular with local vacationers.
Among the various river beaches we know near Lisbon, our favorite is Praia da Alburrica, not only because it has an iconic set of three windmills that mark its landscape, but also because it has a children’s playground and very pleasant beach support.
Alfredo da Silva House Museum
After a well-deserved swim in the waters of Barreiro, we returned to the museums, more precisely to the Casa Museu Alfredo da Silva, a house that perpetuates the memory of the founder of CUF – Companhia União Fabril .
It is located in the Baía do Tejo Business Park, or Quimiparque, and all visits must be booked by phone.
Baía do Tejo Industrial Museum (Quimiparque)
Also by appointment are visits to the Baía do Tejo Industrial Museum, where you’ll find some of the old equipment and machinery of the former Companhia União Fabril (CUF).
This museum was created by Quimiparque with the intention of leaving future generations the historical legacy of what was one of the most important chemical-industrial complexes in Europe in the mid-20th century.
It brings together a collection of industrial equipment of various kinds and a considerable documentary and iconographic collection, representing areas such as chemistry, textiles, metalworking, energy production, industrial safety and hygiene, social services, etc.
Urban Art Circuit
It’s not just in Lisbon that you’ll find some of the best urban art in the country and the world. In Barreiro there are two urban art routes that are a must for anyone who is passionate about this form of artistic expression.
The first is three kilometers long and takes about an hour. Here you’ll find works by the famous Vhils, Odheit and Bordalo II.
On the second route, which is shorter and is estimated to take just 30 minutes, you’ll be able to visit works by Vhils, Smile1art or Tota (Ricardo Manso). You can download both routes here.