Pousada do Freixo History:
Built around 1742, the Palácio do Freixo (Freixo Palace) – an important monument in the city of Oporto – is one of the finest examples of Portuguese civil architecture from the baroque period.
Designed by the well-known architect Nasoni, this emblematic palace was built on the orders of the Dean of Oporto Cathedral, D. Jerónimo de Távora e Noronha – a wealthy nobleman from the Entre Douro e Minho region, who was responsible for bringing the famous Italian architect to the city of Oporto.
In 1850, it was sold to António Afonso Velado, a rich merchant from the town, to whom King D. Luís granted the noble rank of Baron and Viscount of Freixo by in 1865, and who used it as his private residence.
Later, the building and gardens were sold to the Harmonia Company which set up a flour factory there, expanding it during the 1850s and 60s.
The Palace became a National Monument in 1910 and was purchased from Moagens Harmonia by the State in 1986 to be turned into a vocational training center.
Oporto Municipal Council assigned the Palace to the Pestana Group to build Portugal’s largest Pousada – the Pousada do Freixo.
The Pousada’s main building – the former palace – houses the restaurant, bar and lounges.
The Pousada do Freixo comprises two interconnecting buildings: the palace building where the restaurant, bar, lounges and meeting rooms are situated; and the former Harmonia Flour Factory where the 88 rooms are to be found, some boasting magnificent views over the river.