Port of Leixões: A developing cultural heritage

Abstract

The Port of Leixões not only witnesses the passage of time and the scientific, technical and industrial evolution of society, but also represents a set of collective memories linked to its progress. It is a Cultural Heritage built and developed around the social, economic, scientific and technological contexts of the country, representing a legacy of the community's identity.

To understand its history, this research, of a qualitative nature, with a bibliographic and documentary focus, was based on the research, collection and analysis of historical sources in physical and digital format. Works such as Leixões. Uma História Portuária (2002) and Porto de Leixões. Fotografias (1998), and documents such as O Porto de Leixões (1949) and Plano Geral de 1955, were fundamental to understand its expansion and impact.

The main objective was to identify and learn about the different heritage typologies present in the Port of Leixões, from Historical to Ethnographic Heritage, and to explore their connection between APDL and the community. It is understood throughout the study that the preservation of heritage and collective memory is essential to ensure the continuous appreciation of the port as a heritage, allowing future generations to understand and enjoy this cultural legacy in constant development.