“Imagine a secret garden,” I might begin, “hidden away from the bustle of the city.” Here at Casa da Prelada, we don’t need to imagine. We have it right before our very eyes! This grand palacete, as the Portuguese call a smaller palace, whispers stories of centuries past. Commissioned in 1754 by the Noronha family, Casa da Prelada was designed to impress. The architect? None other than Nicolau Nasoni, the Italian master who graced Porto with his talents. While the Casa da Prelada wasn’t finished according to the original plans, it still captivates. Imagine strolling through its gardens, designed with Nasoni’s characteristic flair. These gardens hold a secret, a living maze crafted from meticulously trimmed boxwood. Standing tall at its heart, a majestic Araucaria tree, reaching for the sky. This labyrinth, one of the largest on the Iberian Peninsula, speaks to a time when such intricate puzzles were all the rage in aristocratic circles.
Casa da Prelada
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