The Stock Exchange Palace

The Palace of the Bourse

The Porto audio-guided tour presents you with the Palace of the Bourse, a large neoclassical building of the nineteenth century, a witness of the commercial power of the city.

The seat of the merchants of Porto

Built in the nineteenth century on the site of the former Franciscan convent, destroyed by a fire, the Palace of the Bourse testifies to the influence of the association of merchants of Porto. Its commercial code allowed disputes to be settled on a national scale, notably during the sales of Port wine to the colonial empire. Inside, the great central courtyard and its glass dome, the golden hall covered with gold leaf and, above all, the sumptuous Moorish salon, inspired by the Alhambra of Granada and reserved for official receptions, testify to this wealth. Facing the palace, the gardens of the Infant Dom Henrique house a statue of Prince Henry the Navigator.

What there is to see

The Palace of the Bourse fascinates with its architectural treasures: the central courtyard and its glass dome, the golden hall and the dazzling Moorish salon inspired by the Alhambra. The visit tells the economic history of Porto and its trade, notably of Port wine. It is an essential monument, to be discovered in the Ribeira district.

Practical information

The Palace of the Bourse is in the centre of Porto, near the Ribeira district. It can be visited according to hours to be checked on site; access is generally subject to a charge, within the framework of guided tours.

What is the jewel of the Palace of the Bourse?

The sumptuous Moorish salon, inspired by the Alhambra of Granada, reserved for official receptions.

What was there before the Palace of the Bourse?

The former Franciscan convent, destroyed by a fire, on the site of which the palace was built in the nineteenth century.