Although the history of the residences of the Bishops of Oporto near the cathedral is still little known, it is a fact that, at least since D. Hugo (1112/1114-1136), who was responsible for the definitive restoration of the diocese, a building with this function already existed. Over the centuries an architectural complex developed, of which various vestiges still exist, such as a late Romanesque frieze (13th century) to the right of the main door.
Between the 15th century and the end of the 17th century various works ordered by successive prelates can be documented. The decisive moment, however, came during the government of Friar João Rafael de Mendonça (17771-1793), to whom we owe, in substance, the palace that we can still visit today.
The construction of this Paço, for its architectural scale, conception and ornamental richness, provided the city of Oporto, for the first time, with the existence of a true palace, which we can consider as one of the most significant examples of the late baroque architecture in Portugal.
Designed by the Italian architect and painter Nicolau Nasoni, today it has several functions, from the bishop’s residence to the diocesan curia.
