Neoclassical in Porto

​During the late 18th century Porto underwent great urban and architectonic transformations. Under the guidance of João de Almada e Melo a plan was laid out, foreseeing the renovation of the old city and the structuring of zones that had developed outside the city walls. The co-ordination of the building works was a responsibility of the Public Works Department and was financed by a tax on the wine trade. 

The reconstruction of Praça da Ribeira, the opening of new roads, and the creation of riverbank esplanades are signs of a new spirit and a taste for more open, lit spaces for both function and leisure. 

The construction of the Santo António Hospital, one of many buildings given to the city by the Almadas, introduced the neo-Palladian style in Porto (this was the dominating architecture style in England at that time). This is clearly shown by the influence of the English community, especially through the Consul, John Whitehead, creator of one of the structures that mark the era: the English Factory. These buildings already show solutions that would be used in the civil and religious buildings that followed: mezzanines, smooth-surfaced façades, classic colonnades and pediments, guillotine windows. 

1. ​​Church of Lapa
2. Church of Trindade
3. Old Civil Government Building
4. Rectory of the University of Porto
5. Santo António Hospital
6. Soares dos Reis National Museum
7. Gaol and Court
8. Church of Nossa Senhora da Vitória
9. Stock Exchange Palace
10. Monument Church of S. Francisco de Assis
11. Alfândega Nova do Porto
12. English Factory
13. Praça da Ribeira