Rui Moreira unveiled the renovated Lyceum Alexandre Herculano

“It’s more than a school, it’s part of Porto’s heritage”. The words are by mayor Rui Moreira and were delivered this Tuesday, before a visit to Liceu Alexandre Herculano, which brought together a group of teachers and non-teachers.

Subject to lengthy works, the high school will receive students again in September. “It was a big fight. It wasn’t easy”, said the mayor of Porto about the intervention in the educational establishment, which was inaugurated in 1931 and has served many generations.

“It is a pleasure to show the place where they will work”, said Rui Moreira, accompanied by architect Sérgio Fernandez, one of those responsible for the remodeling project. Councilors Fernando Paulo and Pedro Baganha were also present.

Sérgio Fernandez, now 86 years old, was a student at Alexandre Herculano. Therefore, being able to participate in the work aroused a special feeling in him. “It’s an iconic building, by the architect Marques da Silva”, he explained.

“Works were carried out, but we preserved the character of the building”, he underlined, highlighting, among other improvements, “the new library space, which will occupy the entire main façade”. Also “communication with the outside spaces” was highlighted.

canteen and elevators

“With a clean face and easier to use”. The expression still belongs to Sérgio Fernandez. In fact, while maintaining its historical traits, the high school gained new features. In terms of mobility, the introduction of elevators should be highlighted, something that did not exist.

The canteen has changed location. It’s under the gym. It is a large space, served by a modern kitchen, with its own access. The “old” gym is now an earring and benefits from natural lighting, which comes from the outside. The pool disappeared and was replaced by spas.

Closed since 2019, the school will deal with the filling to be ready to operate at the start of the 2023/24 school year. The equipment will be transferred to the building, including the museum nuclei. The so-called “cinema room” was transformed into the large auditorium. But there is much more to discover.

“Jornal de Notícias” promotes visits

This month and the next, on Thursdays and Fridays, it will be possible to visit the renovated Lyceum Alexandre Herculano, in a joint initiative of “Jornal de Notícias” and the City Council of Porto. Visits, conducted by local authority technicians, are free and always take place at 6 pm.

So this week, Thursday and Friday will start the series. Registration can be done through the address jn.pt/iniciativas. Availability is subject to the first 30 registrations. On the 23rd, the eve of S. João, there will be no visits.