Episcopal

The Episcopal Palace in Porto is the residence of bishops in Portugal. The palace is located near the Cathedral. The palace is interesting for its architectural features, successfully combining two styles: Baroque and Rococo.

The initiator of the construction of the palace was Bishop João Rafael de Mendons. He ordered the complete demolition of the old palace that stood on this site and the construction of a completely new building. The construction process lasted for several years, and, unfortunately, the author of the idea could not admire his creation. Many elements of the original plan were changed, and some fragments were completed in a hurry. All this caused a violation of the global design of the building.

The palace was built in the 12th century, but only reminders in the style of windows and other elements of the facade have survived from the Romanesque style. Then the palace was repeatedly rebuilt and renovated, and the largest reconstruction was carried out under Bishop Luis Pires. Nowadays, the palace proudly rises above the small houses surrounding it.