Restoration of the roofs of the Palácio da Bolsa

For the fifth edition, we highlight one of Porto’s most meticulous rehabilitation interventions: the restoration of the rooftops of the Palácio da Bolsa of the Associação Comercial do Porto, led by Prof. Vasco Freitas with the support of architect Nuno Valentim’s team. The roof’s complex, organic structure, composed of articulated volumes using different construction systems, revealed various pathologies due to previous interventions and natural material degradation, requiring thorough diagnostics to uncover the original solutions and guide future restoration.

The project involved an advanced topographic survey conducted in 2006, complemented by photographic records and historical documentation from the Associação Comercial do Porto’s Documentation Centre, including original drawings crucial for understanding the construction methods and materials. The sloping ceramic-tiled roof features numerous skylights, chimneys, and raised volumes, notably the glazed structure of the Pátio das Nações with its cast iron and glass framework, whose restoration returned the space to its original brightness and aesthetic.

This multidisciplinary intervention combined scientific knowledge, construction culture, and professional expertise to preserve the roof’s original character while adapting it to contemporary comfort and functional demands. The project thus ensures the enhancement of this historic landmark and improves the architectural and urban heritage quality in Porto.