Porto's Banco de Portugal (Bank of Portugal) Building: A Neoclassical Landmark on Praça da Liberdade - 4K Stock-Video

PORTO, PORTUGAL - AUGUST 8, 2025: The imposing facade of the Banco de Portugal (Bank of Portugal) building, which dominates the Praça da Liberdade, is seen on Friday, August 8, 2025, in Porto, Portugal. This monumental granite structure is one of the most notable works by revered Portuguese architect José Marques da Silva, who was trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and also designed other city landmarks like the São Bento Station. Constructed between 1919 and 1934, the building's recognizable Neoclassical/Beaux-Arts style, featuring a grand sculpted pediment and crowning statues, was designed to project financial strength and stability. It was built on the site of the former city hall (Paços do Concelho) as part of the new urban plan for the Avenida dos Aliados. The Praça da Liberdade itself is the city's most important civic space, historically serving as the stage for major public events, including the proclamation of the failed 1891 republican revolt. (Video by Hugo Ortuño/Getty Images)