Porto Congress Centre

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Convention Centre

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Centro Histórico

Location

The Porto Congress Centre is located in the heart of the city, integrated into the Historic Centre area. Its position, next to the banks of the Douro River, offers a distinctive perspective on the riverside landscape and the urban dynamics of Porto. It is a visual landmark in the area, due to the size and grandeur of the building it is housed in.

Architectural Legacy

This space occupies the historic Alfândega Nova (New Customs House) building, an imposing 19th-century construction. Inaugurated in 1869, the original work by engineer Colson stood out for its innovative use of iron, combined with stone, brick, and wood. At the end of the 20th century, the building underwent a remarkable rehabilitation intervention, led by architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, a recipient of the Pritzker Prize. This requalification managed to preserve the architectural essence of the original while adapting the interiors to contemporary needs.

History and Recognition

For over a century, the building served as the Porto Customs House, playing a crucial role in the region's trade and economy. Its transformation in the 1990s into a large-scale events centre marked a new chapter in its history, allowing for the preservation and enhancement of a structure of great heritage importance. The amplitude and functionality of its spaces were decisive factors in the building being chosen to host high-profile international events, such as the VIII Ibero-American Summit in 1998, conferring it global recognition as a stage for major gatherings.

An Adapted Space

The Porto Congress Centre is characterized by its vast usable area and the diversity of environments it offers. Its spacious halls, bathed in natural light, provide remarkable versatility, allowing for different configurations and visual experiences. The adaptation of the space also took into consideration inclusivity, with the building featuring conditions that facilitate access and circulation for people with reduced mobility, ensuring that the heritage is accessible to all.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt