This week our suggestion is the building of the British Factory House!
Built in the end of the 18th century in a Neoclassical neo-Palladian style (designed by John Whitehead), this building marks the importance of the British community in the city and it’s important role in the Port wine trade. It was originally conceived to be a meeting place for British shippers to discuss business. A curious historical fact is that, in 1807 during the Napoleonic Wars, the British Factory House was occupied by the French Army.
In 1811, with the extinction of the Factory Houses as a commercial association, the building became the headquarters for the British Association, responsible to promote the Port wine and keeping alive 200-year-old traditions of the Association. Nowadays the British Factory houses traditional social events like the Treasurer’s Dinner and the Christmas Ball. All the lunches and dinners are accompanied, of course, by great vintage Port wines! It is said that are more than 15,000 bottles stored in their repository. For their traditional Wednesday lunch, after a blind test the guests are asked to guess the year and the shipper of the Port wine they had!
Want to see this and discover a lot more about Porto? Check our website and book a tour that best fits your interests! We can also design a special route just for you – just send a message telling us what you want and need! Be bold and criative :D
Address: Rua do Infante D. Henrique 8
Phone number: +351 223392980
Price: Events are by invitation only.
www.portopatrimoniomundial.com/feitoria-inglesa.html
