Ribeira in Porto, Portugal — Southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula)

Casa do Infante (Alfândega Velha) / House of the Prince (former customs house)

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 2023

1. Casa do Infante (Alfândega Velha) / House of the Prince (former customs house) Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

O primitivo edificio foi construido na primeira metade do séc. XIV, sendo destinado a Alfândega Régia e habitação dos seus oficiais. Constituído por duas torres ameadas separadas por um pátio central, era o edificio de arqui tectura civil mais importante da zona ribeirinha. Segundo a tradição, teria nascido nesta casa o Infante D. Henrique, em 1394. Anexa ao edificio funcionou a Casa da Moeda do Porto, desde o séc. XIV. Com grandes obras de remodelação no séc. XVII, a Alfândega manteve-se neste local durante mais de 500 anos.

The original building was built in the first half of the XIVth century for the Royal Custom House and residence of its officers. According to legend, Prince Henry, the Navigator, was born in this house in 1394. Next to it was the former Royal Mint of Oporto, operating since the XIVth century. Having undergone major reformation in the XVII century, the custom house operated on this site for more than 500 years.

(Marker Number 56.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

. In addition, it is included in the Porto World Heritage series list.

Location. 41° 8.446′ N, 8° 36.875′ W. Marker is in Porto. It is in Ribeira. Marker is on Rua da Alfândega, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Rua da Alfândega 15, Porto 4050-573, Portugal. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Capela de N^a Sr^a do Ó / “Senhora do Ó” Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker); Monumento ao Infante D. Henrique / Monument to Prince Henry (within shouting distance of this marker); Igreja de S. Nicolau / Church of Saint Nicholas (within shouting distance of this marker); Palácio de Bolsa / Stock Exchange Palace (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Feitoria Inglesa / British Trading Post (about 90 meters away); Mercado Ferreira Borges (about 120 meters away); Postigo do Carvão (about 120 meters away); Igreja da Ordem S. Francisco / Church of São Francisco (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Porto.

Also see . . . Casa do Infante (Wikipedia).

Excerpt: The house was originally built in the 14th century as customs and mint, although its present condition derives mostly from a remodelling carried
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 2023

2. House of the Prince (former customs house) and Marker
out in the 17th century. Its name derived from an oral tradition that suggested the house was the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator in 1394. The Casa do Infante is located in the historical centre of Porto, designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

(Submitted on February 12, 2024.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 58 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 12, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.