Castelo do Queijo

Castelo do Queijo, or the Cheese Castle, is a 17th-century coastal fort at Praça de Gonçalves Zarco, where Porto meets Matosinhos. Built on a rock said to resemble a wheel of cheese, it was originally called São Francisco Xavier Fort and helped defend the coast. Go inside to explore the fort and the monument to Portugal’s Commandos, then head up for open views of the Atlantic. A visit pairs easily with a walk along the beach promenade and time on the nearby sand.

A fort on the coast

Castelo do Queijo stands on the coast at the boundary between Porto and Matosinhos. Its name translates as “Cheese Castle” and is linked to the rocky outcrop beneath it, which is said to resemble a cheese wheel. The fort was originally named São Francisco Xavier Fort.

Built in the 17th century, the fort defended the coast during Portugal’s Restoration War, when the country sought independence from Spain. Its position above the water gave it a view over the Atlantic and the surrounding shoreline.

Inside and around the fort

You can explore both the interior and exterior of the fort, then climb to its lookout points for views along the coast. Inside, a monument commemorates Portugal’s Commandos.

The promenade below makes it easy to extend the visit with a coastal walk. Restaurants and bars line the beachfront, and sandy beaches are close by. Bus 500 stops near the fort if you are travelling by public transport.