Pousada Oporto, Hotel Palacio do Freixo. Historical palace in Northern Portugal overlooking the Douro

The palace was built on the orders of the Dean of Oporto Cathedral, D. Jeronimo de Tavora e Noronha – a wealthy nobleman, who was responsible for bringing the famous Italian architect to the city of Oporto.

The Pousada has preserved the entire facade of the palace buildings, which became a National Monument in 1910.

The property consists of two separate but interconnected buildings: the Palace, which houses the restaurant, bar, lounges and meeting rooms; and the former Harmonia Flour Factory, where the bedrooms are located, some of them with a delightful view over the river.

Accommodation consists of 30 standard rooms, 47 superior rooms, 9 suites and 1 special suite. Bedrooms are equipped with air conditioning, cable television, mini bar, hairdryer, safe, internet access cable, telephone and hi-fi system with alarm and MP3 connection in the suites.

Hotel facilities include health club, a spa (sauna, Turkish bath, massage rooms), indoor and outdoor swimming pools and parking.

The charming setting, the cuisine and the considerable on-site capacity make the Pousada Palacio do Freixo an ideal choice for leisure and also as a venue for major events and meetings.

Activities and places to visit in the area include sightseeing tours, cruises in the Douro river, Tram ride from the waterfront to the estuary, museums, Port wine cellars, golf and casinos.

Situated on the right bank of the River Douro, very close to its mouth, the city of Oporto has a historical centre that still preserves a strong identity forged over many centuries, Its remarkable buildings and unique urban fabric enlivened by the great vitality of the local inhabitants. These were surely the reasons why UNESCO included Oporto in its World Heritage list in 1996.

This classification also extends to the left bank including the Ponte de D. Luis, the city's famous iron bridge built by a disciple of the famous Eiffel. Also the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar and the wine lodges that line the river bank in Gaia.

Oporto airport is 18 kms away from the Pousada.