If you have a few hours to spare, they would be well spent exploring the Museu Nacional Soares Dos Reis museum, one of the most splendid museums found in Portugal. Located in an 18th-century palace, the art collection from the former Antigo Museu Portuense de Pinturas e Estampas (Old Porto Museum of Painting and Prints) dates from 1833 and is the country's oldest.
The Palace acquired its name after it took possession of the works of Portuguese sculptor António Soares dos Reis. Born in Vila Nova de Gaia in 1847, he graduated from the Portuense Academy of Fine Arts before finding fame in Paris and Rome, later returning to Porto to teach at the academy. Here there is also a vast selection of paintings, prints, antiques, ceramics and glassware from other artists. This tremendous collection of Portuguese art dates from the 16th century to the 21st.
The Carrancas Palace was built in a Neoclassical style typical in Porto during that period and first served as home for the Moraes and Castro family. During the Peninsular War, it was the headquarters for the Duke of Wellington, but it became the official residence of the Portuguese monarchs in Porto after being bought by King Pedro V in 1861. It first opened as a museum in 1942 and remains one of Porto's most visited attractions.
Wednesdays - Sundays: 10h00 - 18h00, Tuesdays: 14h00 - 18h00, Mondays: CLOSED
Adult: €5.00, Concessionary: €2.50
Porto Card: 50%
São Bento Train Station | CP Website | |
Bus: 13M, 201, 208, 302, 501, 507 and 601 | Timetable | STCP Website | |
Metro: São Bento (Line D) | Timetable | Metro do Porto Website |
Contact Details
Palácio dos Carrancas, Rua D. Manuel II, 4050 - 342 Porto, Portugal. |
41º 08' 51.65" N | 08º 37' 17.62" W
+351 223 393 770 | mnsr.div@ipmuseus.pt | Website