Traveling back in time is now easier—not because of some miraculous machine like in the science fiction series “Doctor Who,” but rather thanks to immersive historical reenactments such as “The Hospitallers on the Way of St. James.” This year, the famous medieval fair of Greater Porto returns to the area surrounding the Monastery of Leça do Balio, in the municipality of Matosinhos, from September 8 to 13.
For six days, there will be countless attractions and activities for the whole family, including medieval tournaments, a market, a video-mapping show, a tavern, and the famous “Royal Wedding,” which this year will feature two actors well-known to the general public: Ângela Costa, in the role of D. Leonor de Teles, and Vicente Gil, who will portray D. Fernando I.
A royal wedding that changed the history of Portugal
One of the highlights of “The Hospitallers on the Way of St. James” is, precisely, the wedding of D. Fernando and D. Leonor Teles, celebrated at the monastery itself in 1372 —the only Portuguese royal wedding to take place outside Lisbon.
This marriage would be at the root of the crisis of 1383–1385—one of the most turbulent periods in Portuguese history—and will be commemorated with a parade of warriors, nobles, and clergy through the grounds.
Six days among merchants, knights, and falconry
Throughout the six days of festivities, the venue will feature a medieval market, a military encampment, stables, and falconry demonstrations, as well as tournaments held in the tournament ground and craft workshops where visitors can see the trades of the era come to life.
There are also taverns serving snacks, drinks, and convent-style sweets, as well as fire shows, juggling acts, birds of prey displays, dance, theater, and music scattered throughout the grounds, along with guided tours of the monastery itself.
The first House of the Hospitallers in Portugal
The event’s name is no coincidence: in the 12th century, the Monastery of Leça do Balio became the first headquarters in Portugal of the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem of the Hospital —known as the “Hospitaliers.”
The site played a significant role in supporting pilgrims on their way to the tomb of St. James the Apostle in Compostela, providing spiritual and medical assistance to those who passed through.
How do I get to the venue?
One way to reach the area surrounding the Leça do Balio Monastery in the early hours of September 12 and 13 is via CP—Comboios de Portugal’s Urbanos service , which offers special round-trip trips for 3€ between Leça do Balio and Porto. For more information, visit CP’s official website.
Useful Information
📍Where: Leça do BalioMonastery , Matosinhos
📆When: September8–13 , 2026
🎟️Tickets: single-day ticket , 2€ (one entry); 6-day wristband, 5€ (unlimited entry and exit); children under 1.30m, free
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