It is said that Prince Henry the Navigator was born here in 1394 and there is a stone inscribed 1894 above the entrance, testifying to his birth 500 years earlier. The first building on the site dates from the 14th century and was used as the royal Customs House with the Porto Mint annexed. At one time it was the most important building in the river area. The structure, which underwent considerable repair in the17th century, now houses the city archives, included amongst the documents is Prince Henry’s christening certificate.