Located riverside, this national monument combines the contemporary comfort of the bedrooms with the sumptuous salons and lounges that transport guests back to the 18th century.
In 1725, Tuscan artist Nicolau Nasoni arrived in Portugal to work on the Porto Cathedral renovations. He decided that Porto suited him and settled in the city, becoming the architect who designed illustrious buildings, such as Casa de Mateus, Torre dos Clérigos and Palácio do Freixo, among others.
Built on the banks of the Douro for Jerónimo de Távora e Noronha, Dean of the cathedral, it was its second owner, António Afonso Velado, who made the interiors more exuberant.
In the 20th century, Palácio do Freixo was sold to the Companhia de Moagem Harmonia, which built a factory in its gardens, using the river water to power the steam engines. The palace was acquired by Porto City Council in the 1980s and restored during the following decade, under the direction of Siza Vieira and Souto Moura’s former mentor, the architect Fernando Távora.
Ceded to the Pestana Hotel Group in 2006, three years later it opened as the largest Pousada de Portugal (a set of historical hotels) but has since become part of the Pestana Hotel Group’s Collection Hotels, as well as a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World.
There are countless reasons for this success. It’s a unique spot, full of character and contrasts, such as the contrast between the sober factory, which houses 87 rooms, and the sumptuous main building, which features the Palatium restaurant, Nasoni bar and other common areas. Always with a Douro view.
