Casa do Infante (Prince Henry's House), Porto

Prince Henry's House, also known as the Old Customshouse, is a historical landmark in Porto. Originally constructed in the 14th century, this building served as a customs house and mint, with most of its current form resulting from a significant 17th-century renovation. The name House of the Prince stems from a local tradition that claims it was the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator in 1394, making it a site of notable historical interest in Porto’s UNESCO-designated World Heritage Center.

The original customshouse was built in 1325 by royal decree on the remnants of a Roman villa and was operational by 1327. In 1354, during King D. Afonso IV's reign, the construction of a new medieval customshouse began as part of a conflict between the king and the Bishop of Porto over the taxation of goods on the Douro River. Located near the riverbank, this structure not only minted coins but also functioned as a warehouse and residential space for employees.

The architectural layout features four interconnected rectangular spaces with different ceiling tiles. The facade has four stories of canopy windows, a large arched doorway with the royal coat of arms, and a 1677 inscription. Inside, a framed patio with archways connects to the upper floors and eastern sections. The main interior space is divided into three naves by high arcades, with two stories accessible via a central staircase. The rear facade's high windows illuminate the pavement and patio, linking the eastern and northern buildings. Access to Rua Infante D. Henrique is via a ramp and tunnel leading to an archway with the royal coat of arms, near a stone bearing the Avis family shield.

Over the years, the building has been remodeled many times to fit the needs of new inhabitants, which in turn makes it an interesting mixture of architectural styles. More recently, it has been the focus of archaeological research which has revealed Roman foundations along with the incredible mosaics currently displayed at the museum, which features interactive displays in both Portuguese and English.

Why You Should Visit:
Compact but informative museum; gives a good insight into the building itself, which was used as a Customs House and coin mint, and also the growth and development of the city of Porto from Roman times onwards. A lot of the exhibits seem very new, with some audiovisual and interactive displays. The entry fee is very reasonable!