I saw a glimpse of this tower on the evening of my arrival, and I ignored it.
I saw it again the next morning from the window of my room at the hotel, and I ignored it again.
But the high building was stuck at the back of my mind. I wasn’t bothered by the sight of it among much lower buildings.
But why, indeed, wasn’t I bothered?
There’s a reason why I’ll bring up harmony a few times in this blog post. It’s constant in Maia.
Contemporary architecture doesn’t clash with older buildings.
From the top of this 300 feet high (92 meters), glass-covered tower (known as “cigarette lighter” by locals), not only can you see the whole of Maia, but you can tell how the city mixes green spaces and urban areas.
Designed by architect António Machado, Torre do Lidador is the fifth highest building in Portugal and truly stands in the center of it all as a beacon of work, progress, and dedication to the prosperity of Maia.
(Guided tours to the top of Torre do Lidador happen on the second Saturday of every month at 12h30 p.m. and 2h30 p.m. for groups of up to 10 people. Check the Visit Maia website for details.)
Address: Praça Doutor José Vieira de Carvalho 45 – 4470-147 Maia