Thirty-five hundred escudos a year. That’s what FC Porto paid to lease this very land. Can you imagine? This is Campo da Constituição. More than just a field it’s a testament to Porto’s footballing heart.
Before you stands the historic Campo da Constituição. For almost half a century it was the home of FC Porto. From 1913 to 1952 this very ground vibrated with the cheers of thousands. It witnessed thrilling matches unforgettable victories and the rise of football legends.
The Campo da Constituição wasn’t the club’s first home. They started at the Campo da Rainha. But as the club grew so did their need for a bigger stadium. The old stadium couldn’t handle the crowds. So this location became the club’s new home. The official opening in 1913 featured a tournament. Benfica emerged victorious.
The stadium wasn’t just about football. A skating rink was added in 1914. Three years later it was replaced with a tennis court. The Campo da Constituição truly became a multi-sports venue. It even hosted other clubs. They sublet the facilities.
As FC Porto continued to expand the Campo da Constituição became too small. In 1933 plans for a new stadium began. The Estàdio das Antas a mile to the east would be their new home. It was completed in 1952. The Campo da Constituição was then largely abandoned.
But the story doesn’t end there. The site wasn’t forgotten. Extensive renovations took place. In 2008 it reopened as Vitalis Park. It’s now a training complex for the FC Porto youth teams. A club store is located here too. The Campo da Constituição’s legacy lives on. It is part of the club’s history and heritage. It remains a training ground. It’s a symbol of Porto’s enduring passion for football.