Casa do Infante, also called the Prince's House in English, belongs to the group of the oldest buildings in the city center of Porto. This quite minimalistic construction is important since it is the only royal premises in the city and has a quite long history. It has seen numerous remodelings and transformations throughout the centuries and now hosts a fairly interesting museum!
Originally established in 1325 under the reign of Alfonso IV, the building was named Alfândega Régia (Royal Customhouse). Designed mainly for customs service near the riverbank, the construction function as a warehouse and provided room for employees. According to the plan, the foreign goods arriving by the means of the Douro River were held here. It applied especially to the merchandise from Northern European countries and Italy. In 1370, Alfândega Régia was expanded on account of the House of Coin (Casa do Moeda) being added. Since that time, the coins had been minted here for almost four centuries, while also being exploited as a warehouse, living quarters and customs.
The title, by which the former customs is known nowadays, comes from the oral legend, saying that the Prince Henry the Navigator was born here in 1394. It is speculated that the child's birth happened here because of the fact that customhouse was the only royal building in Porto and had the facilities for royal employees. Henry the Navigator is, by the way, also a very significant figure in Portuguese history. Son of King João I and Queen Philippa, he is considered the grandfather of the famous Age of Discovery for sponsoring Portuguese expeditions. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, the use of the customs was gradually declining.
In the 20th century, it was restored and named a national heritage, finally transforming into the museum in 1991. Casa do Infante suffered multiple architectural changes over the years. Erected by the architect João Eanes Melacho, it is made of granite and looks quite strict and reserved, with multiple canopied windows. It also possesses the Neo-Manueline plaque at the entrance, reminding about Infante D. Henrique's birth. In the 15th century, it was remodeled and gained a few stories.
Today, you can visit it as a City Museum, telling you the story of itself and Porto as a whole. Supported by audial and visual aids, the past ages come to life through sultry ancient exhibits, such as the Roman mosaic, remnants of old artifacts, such as coins, pottery and other elements of the property.
So, come round the historical center of Porto and peek into one of its oldest buildings to learn more about the Casa do Infante and the city itself!
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