Porto’s Photography Museum

Porto's Photography Museum was created in 1997 to protect and promote the photographic heritage of the city.

In Portuguese it is called “Centro Português de Fotografia”. The admission is free, and it is a short and pleasant visit that we recommend if you are in the area.

What to see in the Museum of Photography

Prison “Cadeia da Relação”

The site where the museum is currently located, was originally a prison built in 1796. The project’s architect was Eugénio dos Santos, who was also in charge of the reconstruction of a part of Lisbon, after the great earthquake of 1755.

The building itself is an interesting place to visit, with its thick granite walls for protection, double bars and iron gates.

In addition, some Portuguese personalities were imprisoned here for their crimes. The best known, being that of writer Camilo Castelo Branco and his lover Ana Placido, who were accused of adultery and served their sentences here, of course, in separate cells.

In April 1974, a few days after the Carnation Revolution, the building was deactivated and its prisoners transferred.

Don't miss the view of Porto from behind the gates, go on and climb to the top floor!

Museum

Currently among its cells is the “Centro Português de Fotografia”, with a collection of photos from different periods of Portugal’s history.

They usually do temporary exhibitions and in the store you can buy nice postcards and souvenirs.

We recommend the visit.

Prices

Free admission

Address

Campo Mártires da Pátria (next to the Clérigos Tower).

How to get there

Metro Aliados or Buses 200, 207, 602.

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: from 3pm to 7pm.

Closed January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st and December 25th.