Apartment Massarelos House

Anyone arriving in Porto by train will be greeted at São Bento station by over 20,000 azulejos that tell the story of Portugal’s history. The famous ceramic tiles are an integral part of Portuguese building culture and characterise both facades and interior design. The Massarelos House in the district of the same name – a rather quiet neighbourhood between the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal and the Douro – is no exception. MASSARELOS HOUSE is the new project by the team behind Baixa House in Lisbon. The complex, located on the site of a former ceramics factory, consists of four 19th-century buildings with 15 flats arranged around a central terraced garden. As the original buildings had fallen into disrepair, they were extensively renovated and modern architecture was added, so that today traditional structures and tiled façades mix with clear forms, steel and glass.

Colourful patterned wallpaper and eclectic furniture from different eras meet white walls and natural materials – the interior design also reflects the mix of historical heritage, English influence and contemporary elements, complemented by the work of Portuguese artists and faience from local ceramic workshops that were active in the city from the 18th to the mid-20th century. Each of the 15 flats, which are spread over four floors, is named after one of the workshops and presents original works from the corresponding manufactory. Whether one or two rooms, with a terrace or balcony – in addition to the sleeping area, all flats have a living room and their own kitchen as well as one or two bathrooms. Some have a view of the garden or the alleyways of Porto.

Not only do the wooden ceilings and winding staircases reveal the original character of the old buildings, the skylight dome even elevates it to a work of art. The centrepiece of the flats is a spacious staircase that faces the garden and acts as a source of daylight. Sometimes made of stone, sometimes of light-coloured wood, it adapts to its changes and tells the story of the accommodation step by step.

At reception, guests are greeted by a map of Porto, which shows important sights as well as the historic ceramics factories, faience collections and azulejos façades. Above this, a communal space opens up on each floor – from the living room to a covered terrace and a small roof garden with a view over the city. The lush garden also extends over various levels towards the Douro.

What to do

Most of the sights are just a stroll away - from the Ribeira historic centre with its narrow streets and ornate façades to numerous historical monuments and architectural highlights such as the Ponte Dom Luis I, the Sé Cathedral, the Torre dos Clérigos or the Casa da Música by Rem Koolhaas to the famous port wine cellars, The Palácio de Cristal and the Museu Romãntico are in the immediate vicinity. In addition to the many museums, there is also a young art, design and fashion scene, excellent gastronomy and wines, excursions for swimming and surfing on the Altantik (by tram or bike) or to the Douro Valley (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Gerês National Park.

Why we like this house

A striking fusion of historical presence and modern architecture - in the garden as well!

This house is great for

Solo travelers, couples, families, and groups of friends looking to explore Porto while enjoying a peaceful retreat.

Details

Availability calendar

The calendar shows the current availability of the accommodation. On days with a white background, the accommodation is still fully available. If an accommodation has more than one rentable unit, days with free capacities are shown with a light grey background. On days with a dark grey background, the accommodation is not available.

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