BOLSA PALACE

This national monument is located in the historic center of the city and has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was built by the Porto Commercial Association where the ruins of the Saint Francis Convent lay. Today it is used for welcoming eminent state dignitaries including monarchs, presidents and ministers from various countries across the world.

This is one of the most visited monuments in the northern part of Portugal that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in the mid nineteenth century, it is currently the headquarters of Porto’s Commercial Association. You can witness a neoclassical style of architecture in the building that was first established on the ruins of St Francis Convent after it got burnt down. 

Once inside the monument, you can explore the large central courtyard called Pátio das Nações that is surrounded by a glass structure that lets the warm sunlight into the building. You can then go up the magnificent staircase made of marble and granite and explore the Golden Room covered with gold-leaf, the General Assembly Room adorned with woodwork, and the various other beautiful rooms here. The Arab Room is particularly noteworthy with its amazing Moorish style decorations inspired by the Alhambra.

Highlights

• Explore this neoclassical structure that was constructed mid-nineteenth century in the city center.
• Walk through the Courtyard of the Nations which is the large central courtyard that is enclosed by a glass structure to let in natural light.
• Walk up the exquisite marble and granite stairs up to the Golden Room that is covered entirely in glittering gold leaf.
• Discover the other exotic rooms in the building such as the General Assembly Room that is completely decorated in wood.
• Visit the palace highlight where the official receptions are held, the Arab Room that has been decorated in Moorish style, inspired by the Alhambra.