Palácio da Bolsa, Neoclassical palace in São Nicolau, Portugal.
Palácio da Bolsa is a neoclassical palace in Porto that served as a former town hall and now houses a museum. The building displays columns, sculptures, and an octagonal glass dome above the central courtyard.
After a fire destroyed the Franciscan convent in 1832, Queen Maria II donated the ruins for the construction of this palace, which began in 1841. The Porto Commercial Association used the building as its headquarters until the 20th century.
The Golden Hall or Salão Árabe displays Moorish influences through gilded woodwork and geometric patterns on the walls. This craftsmanship required approximately 18 years and was completed by local artisans.
Guided tours show the main halls and courtyard and last around 45 minutes. The entrance is located on Rua Ferreira Borges street near the São Francisco church.
The Pátio das Nações or Nations Courtyard shows painted coats of arms beneath a metal dome representing 19th-century trading partners of Portugal. Each coat of arms was hand-painted and the dome allows natural light into the space.
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