Hotel do Muxito

The showcase hotel is now a lost place for paintball parties — and a few residents without fixed addresses.

Muxito is a massive project with multiple hotel buildings and villas, entertainment options ranging from a bullfighting arena to a nightclub, as well as lavish sports facilities and a vast forest area. Further development, including a shopping center and other amenities, was halted by the Carnation Revolution.

Until then, the estate, opened in 1957, was a thriving operation attracting stars and athletes who enjoyed the excellent training conditions, including Portugal’s only Olympic-sized swimming pool. What remains is the adjacent football stadium, with the former tennis courts now covered by the highway.

Even if you don’t understand the words, you can still see something.

 

 

The bankruptcy and death of the operator coincided with the revolution. In 1975, leftist military groups occupied the site and established the Che Guevara commune, featuring agricultural production, social projects like a kindergarten and a community canteen, and a free outdoor pool. Due to a massive influx of people from the former colonies, Muxito became one of many overwhelmed reception centers, ultimately left to fend for itself by the young state.

Since around the turn of the millennium, the complex has fallen into disrepair. While ownership is clear, funding is lacking. The city council finds it an uncomfortable topic: the Google listing has been deleted for some time. To get there, take the national road towards Almada, make a sharp left onto a side street, and park at the end of the small road — then head down the small street into the wilderness. It’s not dangerous during the day. Someone might be living on the ground floor of the main building; he’s accustomed to the occasional visitor.