Palácio da Bolsa

The palace was built in the 19th century by the city's Commercial Association (Portuguese: Associação Comercial do Porto) in Neoclassical style.

In 1841, Queen Mary II donated the convent ruins to the merchants of the city, who decided to use the spot to build the seat of the Commercial Association.

[2] Building work began in 1842 following the plans of Porto architect Joaquim da Costa Lima Júnior, who designed a Neoclassical palace of Palladian influence, inspired by previous structures built in the city.

He was responsible for the general design of the building, inspired by the Neopalladian architecture that was in fashion in Porto since the late 18th century, expressed in buildings like the Hospital of St Anthony (by English architect John Carr), the English Factory (by another Englishman, John Whitehead) and several projects by Portuguese architect Carlos Amarante.

The room is decorated in the exotic Moorish Revival style, fashionable in the 19th century, and is used as reception hall for personalities and heads of state visiting Porto.

Palácio da Bolsa, view from the front.
Palácio da Bolsa, view from near the Porto cathedral
The Palácio da Bolsa at Jardim do Infante Dom Henrique – panoramic view from a balcony across the street
Moorish Revival Arab room. There are two inscriptions located in the walls. One roughly translating to "With the divine support of God" and another roughly translating to "Glory to the late Mary II"