Casa do Infante
About This Museum
Tucked away on a cobbled street in Porto's historic Ribeira district, the Casa do Infante isn't your typical grand museum; it's a palimpsest of Portuguese history, built upon the very foundations of the 14th-century royal customs house. This is famously the purported birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator, a fact that seems to seep from its ancient stone walls. Its collections are a treasure trove for urban archaeologists, showcasing everything from Roman mosaics discovered during renovations to meticulously preserved city plans and centuries-old commercial ledgers. You don't just walk through exhibits here—you wander through the layered story of Porto itself, from its mercantile origins to its modern soul.
Collection Highlights
The star of the show is undoubtedly the intricate Roman mosaic floor, but you'll also find Prince Henry's reconstructed birth chamber and fascinating original documents like the 'Foral de Portucale,' a royal charter from 1123.
Visitor Information
It's surprisingly easy to spend a couple of hours here, piecing together Porto's past away from the crowds. The archives are a dream for researchers, but casual visitors will love getting lost in the warren of historic rooms and climbing the tower for a unique view over the old city.
Architecture & Building
A largely reconstructed medieval structure with a fortified, almost austere exterior that belies its complex history; subsequent layers from later centuries are visibly integrated into the fabric of the building.
Contact & Location
Address: Museu Municipal Casa do Infante, 10, Rua da Alfândega, Reboleira, Ribeira, Centro Histórico, Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória, Porto, 4050-029, Portugal
Website: Visit Website
