Dating back to the 18th century and also known as “Senhor do Espinheiro” or “Senhor da Areia”, it marks the place where, according to legend, the image of Bom Jesus de Bouças appeared, later known as Senhor de Matosinhos.
A monument of very strong visual impact until the beginning of the 20th century, this dome was isolated in the middle of the sand of the “Praia do Espinheiro” and was visible from many kilometers away, both by land and by sea.
Although “Senhor do Padrão” has lost, after the development of the last 100 years, much of its visual impact, it remains an important reference for the city and the fishing community. In fact, much of the religious devotion of the Matosinhos fishermen and their families is materialized next to this monument, an example of this is on November 1st when the monument is surrounded by thousands of candles that burn in memory of the fishermen who died in Tue.