Category: Civil Architecture > House
District: Porto > Porto > Porto
Casa do Despacho is located in the heart of Porto, in the parish of São Nicolau, within an area classified as special protection due to its proximity to the Church of São Francisco.
Built between 1746 and 1752, Casa do Despacho is a project designed by Nicolau Nasoni, a renowned architect. The building is an example of 18th-century architecture and displays the Order's coat of arms on its main door. The iron bars on the windows are typical features of the time.
This building has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1977, making it a point of interest for those visiting the historic center of Porto.
The house has three floors and a basement, known as the Catacomb Cemetery, which was used to bury members of the order until 1866. The catacombs, with vaults and lateral tombs, attract the curiosity of many visitors due to their uniqueness.
The interior of Casa do Despacho reflects the Joanine style, with impressive ceilings on all floors. The Waiting Room stands out for its ceiling with marbled frames, while the Session Room, where meetings are still held, features a huge ceiling dating from 1748, decorated with oil paintings of the Order's and the royal family's coats of arms of the time.
In addition to the ceilings, the decoration includes gilded carvings, such as valances, altarpieces, and frames. A highlight is the pau-santo table, with legs sculpted in the shape of mermaids, a work by José Teixeira Guimarães.
Although the cemetery has been deactivated, the catacombs, with their unique architecture and gilded carved arches, continue to be one of the most intriguing points for those visiting the site.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_do_Despacho_da_Ordem_Terceira_de_São_Francisco
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.14098615529297,-8.616272709320269
Coordinates DMS: 41°08'27.6"N 08°36'58.6"W
Weather Porto
On-duty Pharmacy Porto
