Inside Tourist, March 23, 2023

Woke up to overcast skies and cool temperatures (12c) and were happy that we had booked our tour of   the Palacio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) for 11:30 as it will be inside.  It took 70 years to be built and was completed in 1842.  The Commercial Association of Porto (what we know as the Chamber of Commerce) built and paid for the facility.  It is no longer a stock exchange but is still the headquarters of the Association and is mainly used for major events and official receptions.  In 1957, Queen Elizabeth 11 was received here in a great ceremony.    

On the left side of the building, just before entering the main hall, there is the lavish Commercial Law Library which was completed in 1834 and used by lawyers, judges and jurists to consult legal texts governing Portuguese river cruises.   

We start the tour in the dramatic main hall-where the stock exchange was located.  The floor is made of intricate ceramic tiles and the coats of arms of the 20 international countries who traded here are located just below the glass dome.  

From the main hall you ascend this dramatic grand staircase to tour a variety of fine rooms that are still used by the Commercial Association of Porto.

The Tribunal Room is decorated with woodwork in the French Renaissance style and the walls and ceiling are decorated with frescos depicting commercial work throughout Porto's history.

The General Assembly Hall is still used for that function as every year its members Annual General Meeting is held there.  The walls seem to be wood paneling, but its an illusion as they are actually made of plaster, artfully painted to look like wood paneling.

The Arab Room is undoubtedly the jewel of the palace and was inspired by the Alhambra in Granada.  The sumptuous 300 square meter (3,229 square feet) reception room is covered in 18kg of gold leaf and the intricate parquet floor uses African and Brazilian hardwoods