Stock Exchange Palace
Portuguese history, culture and tradition.
Forced to discuss business on the street, the merchants made a request to the queen to give them the ruins of the Monastery of São Francisco to build their headquarters there to create a space where the stock exchange would operate.
A Noble Gesture
Founded in 1834, the Porto Commercial Association was looking for a headquarters to fill the closure of the House of Commerce, which forced merchants to discuss their business in the open air. In a request addressed to Queen Maria II, they would like the ruins of the Monastery of São Francisco to be given to them, so they could build their headquarters.
Thus, and with royal authorization, the Stock Exchange, or Palace of the Commercial Association of Porto, began to be built on October 6, 1842, funded through a tax on the income of the merchants themselves. The general project of the building was designed by the architect Joaquim da Costa Lima, and the work and its decoration were completed in 1909, at the visit of King Manuel II, shortly before the proclamation of the Republic.
Artistic Beauty
In a style dominated by neoclassical, the Stock Exchange incorporates decorations that give it a grandiose artistic beauty. Its magnificent facade stands out for the four-column portico accessed by a staircase, dominated by the turret that crowns the building. Access to its interior is through the Nations courtyard, where the coat of arms of the countries with which Portugal maintained, during the nineteenth century, relations of friendship and trade are painted.
Monumental Staircase
But it is inevitable that your first glance will be directed to the unique and impressive iron and glass dome by Tomás Soller. The stunning and monumental staircase that gives access to the upper floor, in marble and granite, is also considered one of the great artistic successes made here.
Arab Lounge
However, the highlight undoubtedly goes to the Arab Room, the emblematic jewel of the palace, an example of great elevation of the neo-Moorish art present in Portugal conceived by Gustavo Gonçalves de Sousa. Other high-quality rooms that are present here and that also deserve careful observation are the Commercial Court Room, the General Meetings Room and the Portrait Room.
Experiences
The stock Exchange is one of the most famous and magnificent buildings in the city of Porto and worth visiting. The visit is mandatorily guided and lasts 30 minutes, and the language is marked on a first-come, first-served basis. Available languages are Portuguese, Spanish, French, English.
Schedules
- Summer (April to October): 9h00 - 18h30
- Winter (Nov. to Mar.): 9h00 - 13h00 / 14h00 - 17h30
- Closers: 19 Fev - 1 Mar; 24 e 25 Dez; 1 Jan
Contact
- Rua de Ferreira Borges, 101, 4050-253 Porto
- turismo@cciporto.pt
- +351 223 399 013
Price
- General entrance: 10€
- Students / Seniors: 6,5€
- People with reduced mobility: 6,5€
- Porto.Card: 25% de discount (buy here)
Adiccional Info
- Average Time Visit: 20 minutes
- S. Bento Station
- Languages: portuguese, inglish, spanish and french
This is an area where some of the most interesting monuments in the city are located and “Tour 2 – From Infante to São Bento” takes you to discover these iconic places and the stories that mark the development of the post-medieval city. Discover the city of Porto and learn about its history and culture with the Walkinporto app.
This area also contains some of the most demand for accommodation. Our accommodation suggestions have a very central location so you can feel and experience the soul of the city up close and get to know its historic neighborhoods. Discover our accommodation options.
