Category: Civil Architecture > Customs House
District: Faro > Olhão > Olhão > União das Freguesias de Olhão
The Customs Building is located in the Union of Parishes of Olhão, in a central position within the city of Olhão. It stands at the crossroads of Praça Joaquim Lopes with Avenida 5 de Outubro and Rua Alexandre Herculano, in a historic area near the urban centre.
The surroundings are marked by the presence of the old fishing district, now integrated into the urban area, and by the municipal markets and landscaped spaces that provide a calm and convivial atmosphere, close to the city's commercial centre.
Built shortly after the establishment of the local customs office in 1842, this building was a central piece in the economic and social development of the city, linked to maritime activity and fish trade. It functioned as a customs house until 1962, symbolizing a past connected to fishing and the port of Olhão.
The building is a landmark of the city's collective memory, representing the connection between Olhão and the sea, having also served as the headquarters for the port captaincy in the late 19th century. Currently, it maintains commercial and administrative functions, despite some interior alterations.
Of 19th-century and eclectic style, the Customs Building stands out for its symmetrical facade and accentuated horizontality. It has a rectangular plan with three sections and a roof marked by gabled and hipped roofs.
The main facade features seven windows with wrought-iron balconies, combining pointed arches on the first floor and rectangular openings on the ground floor. A decorated pediment and an ornate parapet contribute to the building's elegance, making it distinctive in Olhão's urban landscape.
The building is inserted in an old urban core that still preserves its traditional layout, close to the areas that once served the old fishermen's beach. Its location allows for observing the city's historical evolution, from the old port to modern transformations.
Despite some alterations over the years, the building continues to be a point of reference that preserves Olhão's connection to its maritime past. The presence of shops and administrative activities within its premises gives it dynamism, keeping it integrated into the city's life.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficheiro:Edifico_Alfândega_Olhão_02.jpg
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.0240879,-7.840823
Coordinates DMS: 37°01'26.7"N 07°50'27.0"W
Weather Olhão
On-duty Pharmacy Olhão
