Pousada Oporto, Hotel Palacio do Freixo. Historical palace in Northern Portugal overlooking the River Douro
Designed by the well known Italian architect Nasoni it was built in the 19th century. The Freixo Palace (Palacio do Freixo) is one of the most famous examples of Portuguese architecture of the Baroque period.
The palace was built for the Dean of Oporto Cathedral, D. Jeronimo de Tavora e Noronha – a wealthy nobleman, who was responsible for the famous Italian architect being in Oporto.
The Pousada of Oporto has preserved the entire frontage of the palace which was declared a National Monument in 1910.
The property consists of two interconnected buildings. The Palace houses the restaurant, bar, lounges and meeting rooms, with the bedrooms, some with a delightful view over the river, in the neighbouring building.
There are 30 standard rooms, 47 superior rooms, 9 suites and 1 special suite. Bedrooms have air conditioning, cable television, mini bar, hairdryer, a safe, internet access cable, telephone and hi-fi system with alarm and MP3 connection in the suites.
Facilities at Oporto Pousada include a health club and spa (sauna, Turkish bath, massage rooms), indoor and outdoor swimming pools, There is free wireless internet access in the public areas and parking.
The setting of the hotel, the cuisine and the on-site facilities make the Pousada Palacio do Freixo an ideal choice for relaxation or 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.
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