Antiga Casa da Câmara

About the museum

The Antiga Casa da Câmara dates back to the mid-15th century and is considered the first seat of municipal government in Porto. Until the end of the 17th century, the “homens-bons” (the city's leading citizens) and representatives of the city's 24 trades met here. The so-called Torre do Senado (Senate Tower) had three floors: the council chamber and the archive were on the upper floor, the audience hall was at the level of the Terreiro da Sé, and the shops on the lower floor were accessed from Rua de São Sebastião.

The tower had structural stability problems from the 16th century onwards, and in 1875 a fire destroyed the building completely. It was only rebuilt in 2002, as a contemporary recreation of the medieval tower, to a design by the architect Fernando Távora. The new tower, in concrete and granite, restored the original volume, enclosed part of the ruins and opened onto the city through a large glass façade. Part of the ruins, next to the old wall of the Terreiro da Sé, was left exposed.

In 2023 the Antiga Casa da Câmara became part of the Museu do Porto, which uses it as an exhibition space.

Highlights

• Senate Tower rebuilt by Fernando Távora (2002)
• Ruins of the medieval house left exposed
• Terreiro da Sé and the old city wall
• Museu do Porto station with free admission

Founded

2023

Operated by

Município do Porto – Museu do Porto

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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