The Palácio da Bolsa do Porto is a 19th century building owned by the Porto Commercial Association and is located in Praça do Infante D. Henrique, the former economic and commercial heart of Porto.The palace no longer works as a stock exchange but remains the headquarters of the Association and is mainly used for major events, such as events and official receptions. In 1957, Queen Elizabeth II was received in Palácio da Bolsa, in a great ceremony.It was built in 1842, over the ruins of the former St.Francis convent, which was burned in 1833, during the Civil War. Between 1833 and 1842, Porto’s businessmen made their trade on the streets, because they didn’t have any building to do that.There are several other wonderful rooms throughout the palace and a host of architectural features. The most notable of these must be the three-storey high Hall of Nations (Pátio das Nações). This central courtyard is covered by an incredible octagonal dome of wrought iron and glass. Around the hall are the coats of arms of the countries which have had significant trade relations with Porto.