House on Rua da Alfândega Velha or House of the Prince

Category: Civil Architecture > House

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Ribeira

Location

- Located in the parish of São Nicolau, in Porto, Portugal.

- Importance: One of the oldest buildings in the city and a museum that reveals the history of Porto.

- Heritage: Considered the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator, an important figure in the Portuguese Discoveries.

History

- Medieval Customs House: Built in 1325 by King Afonso IV as a place to collect taxes on goods.

- Original structure: Included two tall towers and a central courtyard, where the foundations can still be recognized.

- Evolution: The building grew over the centuries, with several renovations, especially in the 15th century.

Birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator

- Birth: It is traditionally believed that Prince Henry the Navigator was born here in 1394.

- Documentation: Records of his baptism expenses are available in the Porto Municipal Historical Archive.

Renovations and Use

- 17th Century: The building underwent major changes, with the facade advancing onto the street and changes to the towers.

- New Customs House: Customs services were transferred to another location in the 19th century.

- Restoration: Classified as a National Monument in 1924, it underwent significant restorations in the 1950s.

Museum and Excavations

- Municipal Historical Archive: Since 1980, it has housed historical documents and a vast collection of city plans.

- Archaeological Excavations: Carried out in the 1990s, they revealed traces of Roman occupation and trade artifacts.

- Museum Circuit: Offers an interactive view of the area's history, from Roman occupation to Medieval Porto.

Visitation

- Attractions: Visitors can explore the rich history of Porto through the various exhibitions and the tour circuit.

- Accessibility: The space is a great stop for those who want to better understand the evolution of the city and the importance of trade.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_do_Infante

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