Paço Alfandega (Customs Palace), Recife

Paço Alfândega, known as the Customs Palace, is a historic building linked to maritime trade. It began in the early 18th century as a convent for the Oratorian order and was later converted into a customs house in the 19th century, reflecting the importance of port activity. After port functions moved elsewhere, the building was used as a sugar warehouse and eventually declined, at one point serving as a parking and cooperative space.

The architecture shows traces of these different phases. The exterior maintains a solid, balanced form, while the interior includes large halls, thick masonry walls, and high ceilings. Restoration work preserved elements such as stone arches and structural divisions, allowing visitors to recognize both the convent layout and later institutional adaptations. Corridors and rooms follow a functional arrangement that once supported the processing and storage of goods.

After a major renovation, the building reopened in 2003 and has since continued to evolve. It now operates as Paço Alfândega Office & Mall, combining retail, dining, and workspaces. The site is part of Porto Digital, a technology hub with many companies, and also hosts a U.S. visa application center. Modern updates were added while preserving visible parts of the original structure.