MASSARELOS HOUSE

Stepping through the doors of these lovely apartments, there’s a surprising sense of calm for a place in such a vibrant city as Porto. Massarelos House is set on Rua da Restauração, just a short walk uphill from the Douro River, across two small buildings in a former 19th century industrial neighbourhood. Carefully restored, they have been brought together into a single property centred around an inviting inner courtyard.

Each of the fifteen apartments, sleeping 2 to 6 guests, has its own personality and a cheerful décor that feels welcoming from the very first moment. The design is by Jesús Moraime, also behind Lisbon’s Baixa House Apartments, and it shows: good taste in every detail and a beautifully balanced mix of vintage pieces and contemporary touches.

The apartments are named after Porto’s historic ceramic factories, including the Massarelos factory, just a two minute walk from the building. Inside, authentic ceramic pieces speak of centuries of local craftsmanship. Ceramics are not there by chance: they are the common thread, a living reminder of a trade that shaped the city’s identity. Alongside them are works

by contemporary Portuguese artists, as if the house were quietly keeping a conversation going between past and present.

Interiors are bright and comfortable, with natural mmaterials and plenty of wood. Kitchens are very well equipped, and the bathrooms are modern and practical, complemented by everything needed for a truly restful stay: excellent mattresses, quality bed linen, and great towels.

Breakfast is served every day, and in the morning, at around 8:30, fresh bread is left at the door: warm from the oven, with butter and coffee. There are also two shared areas: a garden with a small pond, a terrace located between the second and third floors, and a small rooftop with lovely views.

Massarelos House is in a quiet part of town, away from the busiest tourist crowds, yet still around a fifteen minute walk from some of Porto’s most emblematic sights, including Ribeira, Clérigos Tower and the gardens of Palácio de Cristal. A wonderful choice for discovering the city at an unhurried pace.