The north bank of the Douro is marked by the presence of the large rustic-style building of Alfândega, built during the 19th century. The typology of the building is neoclassical presenting a feature very similar to the Santo António Hospital.
The construction of the new customs house marked a considerable change in the landscape of the riverside, creating the platform where it was founded in the place where formerly the beach of Miragaia existed.
In the 90's the building was restored by the architect Eduardo Souto Moura to host a Congress Center and the headquarters and Museum of Transport and Communications distributed throughout various parts of the building. In addition to these, it is also the stage of various cultural and artistic events.