Reitoria da Universidade do Porto (Rectory of the University of Porto), Porto

The Rectory of the University of Porto, located in Gomes Teixeira Square, is a prominent Neoclassical building with deep historical significance. Originally designed in 1807 by Carlos Amarante for the Royal Academy of Marine and Commerce, the construction faced delays during the French invasions and liberal wars, even serving as a hospital during the siege of Porto in 1832. J. C. Vitória Vila-Nova later remodeled the project in 1833, followed by significant renovations in 1862 by Gustavo Gonçalves e Sousa and in 1898 by António Araújo e Silva.

Over time, this historic site hosted several educational institutions, including the Porto Polytechnic Academy, the Academy of Fine Arts, and the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, among others. Today, it houses the Rectory of the University of Porto, alongside the Science Museum and several specialized museums, including those of Zoology, Geological Sciences, and Archaeology and Prehistory.

In 2015, the Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto was established, uniting the Museum of Natural History and the Science Museum, with its collections housed partly within the rectory building and the Biodiversity Gallery at the Porto Botanical Garden. It offers an extensive range of exhibits on geology, paleontology, zoology, archaeology, ethnography, and botany.