The setting for the Pousada de Viseu is the former São Teotónio Hospital, which was originally opened in 1842. Atop the entrance to this majestic, imposing building, three statues, Faith, Hope and Charity, stand looking out over the old city.
In 1799, D. Maria I obliged every county in the former district of Viseu to pay a contribution of one real towards the cost of the building.
In March 2007, work began to convert the former hospital into what is now the Pousada de Viseu, designed by architect Gonçalo Byrne.