World Heritage by UNESCO
The Episcopal Palace in Porto is one of the artistic treasures of the city. It was built in baroque style in the 19th century, in the upper part of Porto. At a time, it was the headquarters of the city hall, and the residence of the city's bishops. Nowadays it’s an attractive palace opened for the tourism that offers a beautiful perspective on the Douro river and the entire city.
But let’s see it. Let’s continue our visit through the historic centre of this city. Would you like to join us in this tour? Prepare your travel notebook and we will explain the places that you ned to see in this city full of fantastic secrets.
The Episcopal Palace: its history
In order to understand the meaning the city’s Episcopal Palace, we must dwell in its history. Although its origins date back to the 12th century, the present building is the result of a great remodeling that took place in 1737 on the initiative of bishop João Rafael de Mendonça, who demolished the old existing palace and ordered a new project.
The building served as the residence for the city’s bishops until the 19th century, and between 1916 and 1956 it served as the headquarters of the city hall.
In the first half of the 19th century, the palace was seriously damaged during the Siege of Porto, and after the establishment of the Portuguese Republic it became the City Hall headquarters.
The first thing that catches your eye is the facade, designed by Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni, he was also the author of the Clérigos tower, another of Porto's most famous buildings. The front offers a large number of big windows with iron railings and rococo pediments, except for the central window, which has a balustrade made of stone.
The palace has turned one of the touristic attractions of the city, appearing on the visitor's agenda. A few meters from the Cathedral is the old town of Porto, designated World Heritage by UNESCO in 1966.
Would you like to visit it? Then let’s go.
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Due to its high location, the palace can be seen from almost anywhere in Porto. In fact, it’s possibly the most collected building in the typical postcards of the city.
If you’re planning to spend one or two days in Porto, you must visit the historic centre. You’ll find the Episcopal Palace at any tour you take, whether on your own or with a guide who reveals all the secrets that you find in your path.
Located in Terreiro da Sé, next to the Cathedral, it offers you an amazing view on the Douro river and it’s very close to Dom Luís I bridge. Upon our arrival, and after accessing the interior (for free by the way), the guided tour lasts 30 minutes. The first thing, that stands out is the vaulted hall decorated with stuccowork and paintings.
But surely, our attention will be focused on the famous three-part staircase, of which two ascend to the upper two floors and another descend to the lower floor. It was also designed by Nicolas Nasoni.
In addition to the huge central courtyard and the beautiful baroque garden, the library stands out, being one of the most wanted by tourists, as well as the frescoed ceilings. For the photography lovers, the perspectives of the entire city that can be gained, from the outside of the palace are magnificent. By the way, the sunset lights on the Douro are an extraordinary way to conclude the tour, and then, what better that a glass of vine in Ribeira!
Porto is a city full of contrasts that invites you to walk its streets and enjoy art, gastronomy, culture… Do you want to enjoy its streets in a special way? You can do it by visiting the Episcopal Palace and joining the Old Town and Wine Tour in the company of our guides, who will give you all the details of the historic centre of the city. If you want more information, do not hesitate to contact us, and, above all, enjoy Porto!
· How to get there:
o Bus: route STCP - 1M, STCP - 207, STCP - 303, STCP - 400, STCP - 500, STCP - 900, STCP - 901, STCP - 904, STCP - 905, STCP - 906, STCP - ZH, STCP - ZM, STCP - ZR, STCP - 10M y STCP - 11M
o Metro: yellow line D (São Bento)
· Price: free
· Information: informative web
