Architecture Palacette of the Visconts of Balsemão

an oblique view of residence



a view atrium lateral staircase

the former-residence implanted in northeast corner of praça carlos alberto, delimited laterally travessa das oliveiras , encircled buildings dating 18th , 19th century. building in near proximity third order carmelites church, old carmelite convent, fountain of leões, old faculty of sciences building of university of porto, clerics tower , former courthouse , jail of porto.

the horizontal plan, composed of 3 architectural nuclei consisting of principal building, lateral annex , triangular tower, differentiated , articulated ceilings covered in roof tile. facades plastered , painted white, encircled granite emassemente, pilastered cornerstones , decorated cornices , friezes. main facade oriented towards west, includes 2 floors separated friezes, framed, granite central doorway on ground floor flanked 4 veins of framed rectangular windows. on second floor there 9 windows framed on ground floor. principal facade of lateral building extends architecturally main building, ground floor door , windows on both floors. integrated construction, tower s third floor visible. lateral facade, oriented southeast, includes 3 windows on first floor, , 5 windows on second floor. on eastern facade, access gate travessa das oliveiras, faces patio served access gardens.

the interior marked ample atrium, stone floors, azulejo tile, stucco , white-painted walls, divided pilasters. atrium staircase extends second floors, intermediary landing divides 2 flights of parallel staircases worked iron guardrails , eight-sided lantern. halls has stucco ceilings , walls painted white. dance hall has vaulted ceiling musical decorations , small varanda.