Category: Civil Architecture > House
District: Porto > Porto > Porto
Situated in the city of Porto, Casa da Prelada emerges as a remarkable architectural and landscape complex integrated into the urban fabric, yet with a clear vocation for retreat and grandeur. It is located in an area that, once further from the city's nerve centre, represents the urban expansion and the taste for creating extensive leisure and residential properties for the nobility and upper bourgeoisie of Porto. Its location grants it an atmosphere of serenity, contrasting with the city's dynamism, revealing a more private and luxurious facet of historic Porto.
Casa da Prelada is a singular testament to the genius of the architect Nicolau Nasoni, a central figure in Porto's Baroque and Rococo architecture, responsible for iconic works in the city. Designed in the mid-18th century, this private residence was conceived in a style that transitions from Baroque to Rococo, showcasing its author's striking characteristics: monumentality, formal rigour, and harmonious integration with the surrounding space. However, and curiously, the building was never fully completed according to Nasoni's ambitious original plans, which gives it a unique character and a particular charm as an "unfinished work," allowing one to observe the master's intentions in the erected structures and the sketches of his vision.
Beyond the house, the property encompasses a vast area of woodland and garden, also designed with Nicolau Nasoni's mastery. These green spaces are an integral part of the architect's vision, conceived to complement the residence and create a bucolic and contemplative environment. The garden features typical elements of 18th-century landscaping, such as water mirrors, statuary, and winding paths that invite leisurely exploration. The presence of centuries-old trees in the woodland contributes to the timeless atmosphere of the place, offering a rich and peaceful natural setting, ideal for reflection and for appreciating the biodiversity that persists in the heart of the city.
Casa da Prelada and its extensive grounds represent a valuable historical and cultural heritage for Porto. A symbol of the opulence and lifestyle of the 18th-century elite, the property reflects the artistic and social trends of an era of great economic prosperity in the region. Its survival to this day, despite the vicissitudes of time and its unfinished state, underscores its importance as a remarkable example of 18th-century civil architecture and landscaping in Portugal. It is a place that invites immersion into a piece of Porto's history, revealing the aesthetic ambitions and vision of one of the greatest architects who worked in the city.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_da_Prelada
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.17037937727822,-8.631274753749992
Coordinates DMS: 41°10'13.4"N 08°37'52.6"W
Weather Porto
On-duty Pharmacy Porto
