Palácio Fenízia | Gianfranco Fenizia

Palácio Fenizia is an elegant Guest House in the historic centre of Porto, in the lively Bonfim district close to the famous Rua Santa Catarina, one of the most vibrant streets of the Portuguese city. The privileged location of the palace allows you to easily reach the most popular and iconic places of the city, such as the Porto Cathedral, the Dom Luis I bridge, the São Bento station, the Mercado do Bolhão and many more.

The project started in August 2016 from an idea of Italian architect Gianfranco Fenizia, who moved to Porto and decided to bring the traditional 20th century Palace back to life, turning it into an exclusive place where you can spend pleasant days in the sparkling atmosphere of the city. As an art lover, Gianfranco Fenizia transformed one room of the Palace into an art gallery and boutique, where the vintage pieces he finds during his trips are on display and on sale, as well as new handmade creations designed with local artisans.

THE PALACE
Made up of five large suites, Palácio Fenizia sits on 800 sqm, 550 of which dedicated to the Palace close to a wide back garden and a dependance in the back. 

The building features a facade covered by delicate azulejos, the traditional decorative  ceramic tiles typical of Portuguese architecture, which welcome the guests to the Palace with their white and blue colours.  

The main entrance faces Rua Fernandes Tomás, close to stores and restaurants as well as to the Saint Catherine's Chapel also known as Capela Das Almas, a real explosion of azulejos which also faces Rua de Santa Caterina.

Charm and beauty are everywhere and Palácio Fenizia's interiors also feature decorations, making it an impressive and elegant environment. 

Walls and ceilings combine colourful tiles with refined wallpaper and rich stucco, creating consistency between exteriors and interiors.

The outstanding elements on the ground floor are the main staircase that leads to the first floor and the fascinating claraboia, the prestigious skylight that lightens up the stairs.

The wide and luxurious suites welcome the guests to comfort and design. On the first floor is also the bright room where breakfast is served to the guests who, after a sweet awakening, walk into a minimal and refined environment featuring elegant accessories, sumptuous crystal chandeliers and a cozy fireplace for the cold season.   

The back garden is a refined outdoor area that complements the building, where you can enjoy an aperitif and relax after a long day sightseeing. 

THE ROOMS
Palácio Fenizia includes five large and elegant suites featuring a 5-metre-high ceiling  and walls decorated with original Portuguese stucco. 

Meticulously designed spaces surrounded by the perfect harmony between classic and modern elements. All the suites are different from each other, but all of them feature an exclusive touch revealing the artistic and creative side of architect Fenizia who furnished them personally.

GREY SUITE
Located on the ground floor, the Grey suite is 30 sqm wide and features a large French window facing the quiet back garden. As its name suggests, the refined and modern design of the room is based on pearl grey hues. The light brightens up both the room and the minimal and elegant bathroom featuring a large mirror and geometric wooden floor.

BLACK SUITE
Located on the ground floor at the back of the building, the Black suite is 30 sqm wide and features a large window that allows the guests to access the private garden and the inner backyard. The suite features elegant and geometric-lined design and includes a private bathroom with shower and luxury accessories.

AZUL SUITE
The Azul suite is located on the first floor and it is one of the widest rooms, almost 40 sqm. It includes a covered balcony facing South overlooking the back garden. The décor reminds of the upper middle class houses from the early ‘900 with a contemporary touch that makes the room dynamic. Other than the shower, the wide bathroom features a bathtub in the centre of the room where guests can relax.

VERDE SUITE
With its 35 sqm, the Verde suite is located on the first floor and includes a private covered balcony facing South overlooking the back garden. The warm colours of the vintage wooden floor complement the jade green walls of the room and the bathroom which includes a large shower box as well as a comfortable bathtub. 

AMARELO SUITE
The Amarelo suite is the widest of the Palace and it is located on the first floor facing Rua Fernandes Tomas. A double window brightens up the light-coloured room whose main feature is the vintage wooden floor. The wonderful renovated ceiling combines the same colours as the modern lines of the headboard, recalling various eras. The minimal and elegant bathroom matches the style of the room. 

PALÁCIO FENIZIA'S  BOUTIQUE  GALLERY
Palácio Fenizia perfectly fits the city of Porto and its details and taste are noticeable as soon as you see it from outside.  Covered by the colourful traditional azulejos that catch one's attention straight away, the building is consistent with the tradition of most Portuguese cities. Once guests are inside, they are completely drawn to its atmosphere.  Gianfranco Fenizia wanted to dedicate an area on the ground floor to a proper art, design and décor gallery which the architect deeply cherishes by carefully looking for every piece on display personally.

THE GARDEN
On the back of Palácio Fenizia is a large garden, a carefully looked-after oasis aimed at offering relaxing moments to those who decide to stay at the Palace. The ideal place to also host aperitifs, events and openings, thanks to the refined veranda that will be arranged for the occasion.

Separated from the rest of the Palace, in the garden are two small apartments which are still being renovated and will be ready by summer 2017.