Episcopal Palace (Paço do Bispo)
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(PAÇO DO BISPO) EPISCOPAL PALACE

The grandiose façade which lies to the south side of the cathedral (Sé) is the former residence of Porto's bishops, the Episcopal Palace. What you see today is a construction dating back to 1737 and is attributed to the master architect Nicolau Nasoni. However, fragments of a 13th-century building have been discovered here. The elaborate baroque and rococo styled frontage is entered through an ornate arch flanked by pilasters and topped with a decorative pediment containing the coat of arms of Bishop D. Rafael de Mendonça. After a long period of closure, the palace is now open to the public and makes a fantastic addition to a visit to the cathedral district.

GUIDED TOURS

You can see for yourself the luxury, the bishops of Porto allow themselves with a guided tour inside. The tour begins at the heart of the building, the magnificent monumental granite staircase, festooned with carved religious iconography. The tour proceeds into the Hall of Mirrors, the Coat of Arms and the Chapel, until you reach the Audience Hall, which is still utilised today by Porto's Bishop. From the windows in this room, you can marvel at the views of the Cathedral terrace outside.

Continue on to the Throne Room (Sala do Trono), the walls, carpet and furnishings are strikingly red before entering the room which houses temporary exhibitions. Before leaving you're guided to a gallery that overlooks Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, the Luiz I Bridge and the River Douro and rewards the visitor with amazing vistas.

Monday - Saturday 10h00 - 13h00/14h00 - 19h00, Sunday: CLOSED
€5.00 Porto Card Porto Card: -20%

Paço do Bispo

Paço do Bispo, Main Staircase

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Getting There

São Bento Train Station | Timetable CP Website

Bus: 6, 20, 35, 37, 52 and 78 | Timetable STCP Website

Metro: São Bento (Line D) | Timetable Metro do Porto Website

22 Old Tram: Carmo - Batalha | Timetable STCP Website


Contact Details
Terreiro da Se, Porto, 4050-573, Portugal. | 41° 08' 34.1" N | 08° 36' 40.3" W
+351 223 392 348 |  Website