Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Vila Nova de Gaia is a territory marked by a deep relationship with the Atlantic ocean and the river. Along the seafront, there is an interaction between tradition and contemporary challenges.
This exhibition explores Gaia's natural and cultural heritage, relating it to the territory, practices and stories that define the municipality's coastal identity.
The transformation of this entire river line results in an immediate alteration of the landscape, characterised by the reduction of green spaces and changes in building typology. Uncontrolled urbanisation presents a duality, where ‘economic, social and cultural opportunities that can improve the quality of life and the traditional character of urban areas’ coexist with the possibility of ‘jeopardising the perception of a place, the integrity of the urban fabric and the identity of communities’.
Work underway on the Gaia waterfront (2024) by Cátia OliveiraFaculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
The phenomenon of gentrification coexists not only with an improvement in the quality of urban life, but also with the risks associated with losing the spirit of a place strongly connected to seafaring practices and industries.
2. Geossítio da Praia de Lavadores
Although the municipality's Atlantic coastline is not very indented, essentially marked by the presence of low, sandy beaches, the landscape quality is punctuated by elements that reflect the diversity of biophysical resources in the region, such as the Geossitío da Praia de Lavadores.
Dune area on the seafront of Gaia. (2024) by Cátia OliveiraFaculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
The new culture of the sea valorises the sea not only from the point of view of biodiversity or the economic, professional or tourist sector, but also through the emergence of sporting activities and the emotional connection with it.
Gaia waterfront walkway. (2024) by Cátia OliveiraFaculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
Tap to explore
Northern Rehabilitation Center Building (2024) by Cátia OliveiraFaculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
The old Sanatório Marítimo do Norte (Clínica Heliântia) now transformed into the Northern Rehabilitation Centre, is an example of how architectural heritage can be recovered and reframed for new uses. This recovery preserves the historical memory of the place.
Former RTP facilities (2024) by Cátia OliveiraFaculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
In contrast to the previous view, the old RTP transmitter station from 1955 reflects the complex reality of these areas, remaining abandoned or underutilised.
Rusga do Senhor da Pedra (2024) by Rancho Folclórico de GulpilharesFaculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
Although it is a place of devotion, the chapel is also configured as a multidimensional cultural space, particularly during the “Rusga do Senhor da Pedra" (Rancho Regional de Gulpilhares).
Inside the Chapel of Senhor da Pedra (2024) by Cátia OliveiraFaculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
Knowledge of phishing arts, the migratory routes of species and the places they are most likely to be caught is important in that it optimises fishing efficiency, even if it is subject to considerable unpredictability, but it is also relevant from a cultural point of view.
Different ways of enjoying heritage (2024) by Cátia OliveiraFaculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
All these maritime practices result from the biophysical characteristics of the environment and are a reflection of the traditions of coastal communities, enriching the multiplicity of actors linked to the oceans. See Drawing the Heritage Landscape of Arcozelo e A Mediation Strategy.
This exhibition is part of the seven virtual exhibitions produced by the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Porto, dedicated to the ‘North of Portugal’, created between November and December 2024, at the invitation of Google Arts and Culture.
General Coordination of "North de Portugal" Project - Ana Cristina Sousa (DCTP-FLUP/CITCEM), Diana Felícia (FLUP/CITCEM) e Maria Leonor Botelho (DCTP-FLUP/CITCEM).
Curatorship and texts - Cátia Oliveira (FLUP/CITCEM) e Diana Felícia.
Scientific Review - Maria Leonor Botelho.
Photography and video - Cátia Oliveira.
Consultancy and assembly - Diana Felícia.
Acknowledgements - This exhibition was realised as part of the ongoing PhD project in Heritage Studies - Art History, by Cátia Oliveira and entitled “Mais Património et al. Laboratório da Educação para o Património”, supervised by Professor Maria Leonor Botelho, funded by FCT with the reference SFRH/BD/144549/2019.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.