About Barreiro

Barreiro is a town and a municipality in Setúbal District in Portugal. The population in 2011 was 79,064, in an area of 15.78 km². It is located across the River Tejo from Lisbon and forms part of the Lisboa Metropolitan Area. Barreiro is known for its shipyards and industries. The town grew from a fishing village as an important centre for the shipbuilding industries from the 17th century onwards. The industrial activity began in earnest in the 19th century, with shipyards, metallurgical and textile factories. In the 20th century these were joined by chemical and power plants. The town is twinned with Brest in France and Vila Nova de Gaia in Portugal.