Portugal’s Newest Pousada Opens in Viseu
Portugal’s newest pousada just opened this February in the city of Viseu. It’s a charm pousada (the other categories are “Historical,” “Design,” and “Nature”), and is the biggest of all, with 64 rooms (including 20 suites). The building was a 19th century hospital and is also big enough to include a spa. It was renovated by Gonçalo Byrne who is one of Portugal’s leading architects, and guests are welcomed by three majestic statues symbolizing faith, hope, and charity. Almost all architectural details were preserved, especially in the façade and the cloisters where the bar is found. It also offers two restaurants, both serving the best of the local gastronomy.
The spacious rooms are simply decorated in classic-contemporary style, mixing light colors with dark woods. Before guests return to their rooms after a day out visiting the city, they can enjoy a swim in one of the two heated pools, one indoors and the other outdoors.
This won’t be the last pousada to open in this year. Next month the Pousada of Estoi outside Faro in Algarve will finally welcome guests, while the Pousada Palacio do Freixo in Porto will open at the end of the year.
