Cloisters, Viseu

Sé de Viseu, the cloisters.

HAND PAINTED CEILING

Sé de Viseu.

CORN WAREHOUSES

Corn warehouses, Pendilhe, Castro d'Aire

ZINC COVERED HOUSE

Private House, Viseu

BLACK AND WHITE DOME

 

View of the dome at Casa da Ínsua 18th century chapel.

Casa da Ínsua, Penalva do Castelo

MINCHIN - MADE IN PORTO

 

We tried to know more about the brand of this beautiful radiator with an integrated plate warmer, but still with no results. This heater, made in Porto, is apparently from the XIX century and was part of the central heating system at Casa da Ínsua. Out of curiosity, the heating system at this house was made with hot olive oil and grappa.

JEREMIE GIROD À PORTO

The amazing mechanism of the watch by Jeremie Girod at the Church of Casa da Ínsua.

Casa da Ínsua, Penalva do Castelo

CASA DA ÍNSUA

The Grand Salon.
This was preceded by the "Chinese Room" and the "Hall of Portraits", symbols of living in another era. Although the house dates from the 18th century, the main public rooms were decorated in the late 19th-early 20th centuries. The photo was taken a few days ago, but it could have easily been part of "Palm Beach Houses" or "Beaux-Arts Mansions". Nicola Bigaglia was responsible for the decoration.

CASA DA ÍNSUA

Stone rail, detail at main entrance

CASA DA ÍNSUA

We start 2012 with a visit to Casa da Ínsua, an 18th century house recently converted to a 5 star hotel. Located near Viseu, in the small village of Penalva do Castelo, it is definitely worth a visit. Casa da Ínsua, also known as Solar dos Albuquerques, was built in the second half of the 18th century by Luís de Albuquerque de Melo Pereira Cáceres, governor of Portugal in the State of Cuibá and Mato Grosso in Brasil. To learn more about the history of the house you can visit their website here.