Visiting the Invicta city, we walk through the Art Block and we cross Adolfo Casais Monteiro Street, without even suspecting that behind a large gate hides one of the best kept secrets of Porto: the Maria Amélia Velodrome. This monument was built by order of King Dom Carlos I and inaugurated in 1894. At a time when the lóbi of the bicycles was imposed and at the request of the Association of Velo Club of Porto, the king gave land to the rear of the Carrancas Palace, where the largest sports venue in Porto was built! The velodrome, awarded with the Queen’s name, had a track with 333 meters of perimeter and two tennis courts. Between the date of its inauguration and the implementation of the Republic - when it was closed - this venue hosted many races and sporting events and it was here that the first motorized race took place in Portugal. With the fall of the monarchy, the palace no longer had use and with it all adjacent structures, including this velodrome. But by the hand of the architect Fernando Távora we witness a recovery of the palace, which keeps alive the memory of the velodrome that once existed.
Practical Information The velodrome Maria Amelia can be visited by appointment of the National Museum Soares dos Reis. Contacts: Phone +351 223 393 770 Email: divulgacao@mnsr.dgpc.pt