Porto is full of gardens, green spaces and cultural to enchant any local and/or visitor. In this context, the São Roque House and Park is well worth a visit. On the one hand, it’s a place to consider for those who like the outdoors. On the other hand, it is also an option for lovers of contemporary art.
Although the building had been in a state of disrepair for some years, the architectural restoration of the building has restored its former splendor. Designed by architect João Mendes, the intervention in the space, which reopened in 2019 as an art center, is so significant that it has received a distinction, namely the João de Almada Prize, awarded by the Porto City Council.
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Casa São Roque: a bit of its history
To talk about Casa São Roque, we need to go back to the 19th century. XVIII, when it functioned as a mansion and hunting l odge. This scenario was typical of Porto’s noble and bourgeois families. However, his past is far from just that and has a connection to the Port wine. But we’ll get there.
In the century. XIX, the building belonged to the family of Maria Virginia de Castro, who married António Ramos Pinto in 1888. On the one hand, Virginia was a regular presence in Invicta’s social and cultural circles. On the other hand, António Ramos Pinto was a wealthy producer and exporter of Port wines.
Intervention by the architect Marques da Silva at the beginning of the century. XX
Before we heard of unmissable names like Siza Vieira and Souto Moura, it was José Marques da Silva who stood out in Porto’s architecture scene. But who is this figure?
Marques da Silva contributed to several emblematic works in the city, such as: the São Bento Station(1896-1916); and São João National Theatre (1909-1920), among others.
Between 1900 and 1911, the architect Marques da Silva was in charge of remodeling and expanding Casa São Roque. In his charge, the building was transformed into a true romantic palace, inspired by the French historicism of the 19th century. XIX and Belgian Art Nouveau.
São Roque Park Garden
While the interior takes us back to the bourgeois air of a palace, the exterior immediately transports us to a romantic setting. In the century. In the 19th century, Jacinto de Matos was responsible for the ‘design’ of the São Roque Park Gardens.
Even today, the gardens, which cover more than four hectares, impress with the beauty of their 200 century-old camellias and the unique views over the Douro. As well as the famous flowers, you’ll find a gazebo, caves, a bower and a Buxus sempervirens labyrinth (see photo below).
Today: the rebirth of Casa São Roque
Casa São Roque has inherited a weighty past and the idea is to continue to honor its history, but with an eye on the future. With the current art house functions, you can choose between two themed tours.
In the first option, “House and exhibition”, you can observe the architectural and decorative details of the last century, go through the history of the Ramos Pinto family, or visit the collection of works of art in the current exhibitions.
In the second thematic visit, the camellias centenarians are the protagonists. Sometimes there are even guided tours of the gardens, with a glass of Port wine to enjoy at the end. But the best thing is to check with your website.
Today, Casa São Roque is a space that combines history and architecture, with a poetic and flowery view over the Douro!
