Palácio da Bolsa is the seat of the Porto Commercial Association, a neoclassical building in the historic centre of Porto, begun on 6 October 1842 on the ruins of the São Francisco convent. The architect Joaquim da Costa Lima designed the building, and its interiors were completed in 1909.
The palace is part of the Historic Centre of Oporto, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What to see at Palácio da Bolsa
- Courtyard of the Nations: the central courtyard, covered by a dome of glass and metal designed by Tomás Augusto Soler and decorated with the coats of arms of Portugal and its trading partners.
- Noble Staircase: the main staircase, designed by Gustavo Adolfo Gonçalves e Sousa, with sculptures by António Soares dos Reis and António Teixeira Lopes.
- Arab Room: a reception hall in Moorish Revival style inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, designed by Gonçalves e Sousa and built over 18 years.
- Court Room: the former Commercial Court room, designed by Joel da Silva Pereira.
History of Palácio da Bolsa
- 1832: during the Siege of Porto, a fire destroys the cloisters of the São Francisco convent and spares the church.
- 1841: Queen Maria II gives the ruins of the convent to the merchants of Porto.
- 6 October 1842: the Porto Commercial Association lays the first stone.
- 1850: the first floor and the main façade are finished.
- From the 1860s: work begins on the interiors.
- 1880: the Arab Room opens during the celebrations of the third centenary of the poet Camões.
- 1909: the works and decoration are completed for the visit of King Manuel II.
Visiting Palácio da Bolsa
- Location: the palace stands on Rua Ferreira Borges, next to the Church of São Francisco.
- Guided visits: the interior is visited with a guide, and the palace website publishes current times and prices.
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Porto, Portugal
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Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Serra do Pilar
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Palácio da Bolsa
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