Did you know that one of the largest labryinths on the Iberian Peninsula is hidden behind a 17th century gate in Porto?
Located just a 15-minute drive from São Bento Station, the House of Prelada (Casa da Prelada) is a historical estate that includes both the grand residence and the surrounding Quinta da Prelada. The property has served multiple roles over the centuries, from a noble estate to a hospital and now a cultural space. With its well-preserved gardens, an intricate labyrinth, and a wealth of historical significance, Casa da Prelada is an intriguing but often overlooked attraction in Porto.
History
The House and Quinta da Prelada were commissioned by D. António Noronha Menezes Mesquita e Melo and completed around 1758. The estate remained in the possession of the Noronha and Menezes family for nearly a century and a half until 1903, when the last private owner, D. Francisco de Noronha e Menezes, donated it to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto. Following the donor’s wishes, the residence was converted into a convalescent hospital. It later evolved into a center for physical rehabilitation and then a home for the elderly.
Between 2010 and 2013, the estate underwent extensive restoration work to preserve its history while adapting it for cultural use. Today, Casa da Prelada houses the Historical Archive of Misericórdia do Porto, featuring a specialized library, reading rooms, and spaces dedicated to cultural and educational activities. The estate continues to serve the community with modern facilities while retaining its sense of history.
The Garden and Labyrinth
The gardens of Casa da Prelada, also designed by Nicolau Nasoni, are a defining feature of the estate. They are divided into two main sections: the southern courtyard, which is accessed through a grand 17th-century portal adorned with the Noronha and Menezes coat of arms, and the northern garden, which sits at a lower level and boasts a variety of botanical and architectural elements.
Among the most notable features of the garden is the impressive boxwood labyrinth, one of the largest in the Iberian Peninsula and the oldest of its kind in Porto. At its center stands a towering 30-meter-high Araucaria tree. Part of an old aqueduct is also visible, stretching towards the nearby Prelada Hospital.
The garden is open to the public for free. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, Quinta da Prelada was awarded the seal of quality as a historic garden on May 20, 2020, and is now part of the Greater Porto Historic Gardens Route.
How to Get There
By Car
Via the VCI (Via de Cintura Interna), take the Carvalhido/Prelada exit and follow the signs for “Hospital da Prelada.” From Estrada da Circunvalação (EN 12), turn at Rua Monte dos Burgos and follow the signs for “Hospital da Prelada.”
By Bus (STCP lines)
Take STCP Line 209 (Pasteleira > Prelada via Campo Alegre) and get off at the Castelos stop (Rua dos Castelos).
By Metro
Option 1 – Take the Blue (A), Red (B), Green (C), or Violet (E) metro lines. Get off at Casa da Música station, transfer to STCP Line 209 (Prelada), and exit at the Castelos stop.
Option 2 – Get off at Francos station, walk along Rua da Travagem, continue on Rua Particular de Francos, turn right at Rua Airosa, and proceed along Travessa da Prelada to reach Casa da Prelada (approximately a 15-minute walk).
Parking
Visitors can park near Casa da Prelada or at the Hospital da Prelada parking lot, which operates daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Opening Hours
The House of Prelada is located at Rua dos Castelos 485. It is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is free to access. The phone number is (+351) 225 071 230.
