read the interview with Patrícia e Emanuel de Sousa
Which is the best way of seeing Porto?
PATRÍCIA — For those who prefer biking, the solution is quite simples. Rent ROSA ET AL’ s bikes and seek out. A secret? Go down Flores Street (peek Mercearia das Flores), than pass by Palácio da Bolsa (do not hesitate and go in) and finally go on to the waterfront. Porto’ s river side since Ribeira until the City Park deserves your full attention.
What about who arrives with limited time?
In a city where both the river and the sea are a constant presence, the boat is for sure a good option.
For whom?
For whom?
EMANUAL — There is no right or wrong choices. Each one discovers Porto at his own rhythm...For granted just that no one will remain indifferent to the surrounding landscape, the monuments and the people with whom and which they came across.
ROSA ET AL Townhouse makes its home in a century-old building at the heart of Cedofeita neighborhood. We are surrounded by an artistic community that has grown a lot in the past years.
By the time you think you have seen it all, there will be something new to discover.
Together we have created a place both by the neighborhood and for the neighborhood. Just around the corner, in Miguel Bombarda Street, an active art and idea scene with art galleries, shops and cafes filled with folks pushing and pulling culture.
For most this is their favorite part of Porto. The vibe is open, innovative and adventurous. Side by side with the townhouse, you can buy some of the best designs made in Portugal. Our street neighbors CRU and Scar-Id are unparalleled as a storefront for emerging Portuguese artists and brands. You can find and shop handmade jewelry and unique articles of clothing as well as hanging gardens. Innovative, contemporary and quality design will surprise you.
Local landmarks include the Church of Cedofeita (dedicated to Saint Martin), the Mouzinho de Albuquerque Plaza, the Oliveira's Fountain and several chapels and modern architecture buildings.
For most this is their favorite part of Porto. The vibe is open, innovative and adventurous. Side by side with the townhouse, you can buy some of the best designs made in Portugal. Our street neighbors CRU and Scar-Id are unparalleled as a storefront for emerging Portuguese artists and brands. You can find and shop handmade jewelry and unique articles of clothing as well as hanging gardens. Innovative, contemporary and quality design will surprise you.
Local landmarks include the Church of Cedofeita (dedicated to Saint Martin), the Mouzinho de Albuquerque Plaza, the Oliveira's Fountain and several chapels and modern architecture buildings.
Portuguese culture has been tied to Cedofeita for a long time. Casa da Pedra proves it. This house dates back to XVIII century and has become famous for being the venue of Portuguese intellectuals of the 19th century, known as the Generation of 70, in gatherings invigorated by Antero de Quental, Eça de Queirós, Guerra Junqueiro and Ramalho Ortigão. It was in this house that writer Antero de Quental attempted suicide the first time. Today Casa da Pedra remains as private property with residential function.
Did you know that Portuguese most famous and awarded film director, Manuel de Oliveira, was born here in 1908? Now you know.
Did you know that Portuguese most famous and awarded film director, Manuel de Oliveira, was born here in 1908? Now you know.
Walkable, bike-able and let’s-get-lost-able, Cedofeita neighborhood is wonderful for those who really want to discover Porto and its essence.
read the interview with Patrícia & Emanuel, townhouse owners
INTERVIEW
PATRÍCIA DE SOUSA &EMANUEL DE SOUSA
co-owners & co-creators
Cedofeita neighborhood is the open-air version of what we want for ROSA ET AL Townhouse. Call us presumptuous but you will not get enough of both Cedofeita and the townhouse.
PATRÍCIA – The neighborhood became known as the 'art spot' in Porto mainly because of the agglomeration of art galleries, independent shops and vintage stores on Rua Miguel Bombarda and Rua do Rosário and their intersections, there is also the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis nearby, which has an important local collection of the artists. It became known as the art spot gradually, the first and pioneer gallery was Fernando Santos (with whom we have a partnership to show some of the Gallery's private collection in our suites and common areas) and from then on other galleries moved to this area. There are a lot of artists, designers and creatives living around Cedofeita, the wider neighborhood, which makes it somewhat special within the city's fabric.
EMANUEL – We are located in Cedofeita, near Rua de Miguel Bombarda, which is where many of Porto’s art galleries are based. The art galleries combined with the vintage stores, furniture and design stores make it a very lively area in terms of art and design. Other than that, we’re very close to Teatro Carlos Alberto, which is part of the National Theatre in Porto. We are also very close to Casa da Música, designed by Rem Koolhaas, a vibrant concert hall worth the visit, which has an internationally acclaimed music program. Our hotel is located between the river and the sea, very close to the Porto city center with its touristic sights, but also close enough to the newer parts of Porto, so you can experience the full spectrum of the city. I think we’re in the perfect location.
Patrícia and Emanuel de Sousa were interviewed on JULY 2019
Find out more about Patrícia and Emanuel de Sousa here.
A traditional as well as a modern Porto is expecting you. Local and national products side by side with design and signed pieces. The knowledge of ancients goes hand with hand with the creativity of the youngest. Both share the accuracy of those who create.
read the interview with Patrícia e Emanuel de Sousa
Where should shopping lovers go?
EMANUEL For those looking for tradition, Porto’ s downtown opens the doors to refined taste and personalized service. The gourmet proposals, the used bookstores and small antique shops cannot go unnoticed to who is walking around. Those who go inside, hardly say no to buy something. It is here that you can find some of the busiest traditional shopping streets, like Cedofeita Street and Clérigos area.
PATRÍCIA The already famous Bombarda district with its simultaneous openings has won an important place on the art scene of the city. Art and illustration galleries, national design, singular and unique pieces. A showroom of the best made in Portugal. Do visit Cru or Scar –Id, our neighbors in Rosário Street, or pass by The Feeting Room, in Lóios Square, and you will understand much better what we are talking about.
What about big international brands?
EMANUEL Of course that they are also present in Porto. It’ s on Boavista Avenue and in Foz that you can find the renowned international names that did not want to leave Porto outside of their plans. At the moment the city is full of dynamic and energy...
PATRÍCIA It’ s a Porto in constant motion the one that everyone feels and sees when they wander by the streets. Lóios Square, Almada Street, Clérigos, Flores Street, Infant D. Henrique Street... All of them are mandatory stopping points to those who want to take with them a flavor, a smell, a treat made in Portugal. New things happen on a daily rhythm. There is always something new to (re)discover.
Porto’ s flavors and aromas illustrate very well the diversity and dynamic of the city. From the most traditional courses that remind us of our childhood and our grammas kitchen, to the creative and even irreverent touch of younger chefs. To get to know Porto at the table is without any doubt one tasty and delicious way of understanding a little better the people and the traditions of the city. To seat down at the table and enjoy yourself with the gastronomy and the cuisine of Invicta and the North of Portugal is mandatory for those who arrive. It is the art of petiscar (taking a snack) and the excellence of service.
read the interview with Patrícia e Emanuel de Sousa
Portuguese cuisine is very traditional.
Which are the most well known courses that deserve to be taste by those who visit Porto?
Which are the most well known courses that deserve to be taste by those who visit Porto?
PATRÍCIA The most daring ones must eat the famous Tripas à Moda do Porto, which is basically a stew made with trips. This is the city most popular recipe and is also responsible for nickname of the locals: ‘ tripeiros’ , the ones who eat trips. Legend says that in the XV century, when the Infant D. Henrique led the military expedition that embarked on a journey to conquer Ceuta, people from Oporto hand all their meat to supply the troupes and only kept the trips. A very noble gesture that woke up the locals’ creativity. Without any meat, they endedup cooking the trips in a stew. And so what was to become the iconic plate of the city was born.
EMANUEL To the most conservative ones Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (cod cooked Gomes de Sá way) is mandatory. A cod trader, the gastronome José Luís Gomes de Sá Júnior, is the creator of this recipe, one of the most popular and tastiest ways of cooking cod. Cut into thin slices that are soaked in milk to become smoother, the cod is then cooked with olive oil, garlic and onion. When it’ s done, mixed it with previously boiled potatoes cut into squares and then served it with boiled eggs cut into pieces, parsley and olives a side.
And the famous ‘francesinha’ (little French girl)?
PATRÍCIA It is the most famous Portuguese sandwich. The traditional meat and sausages sandwich, covered with cheese that is latter melted on the oven and garnished with a very spicy sauce, is one of symbols of Porto’ s cuisine. Once again, legend says that it was named by Daniel da Silva, in 1953, to honor the spiciest woman he knew: the French woman.
Any other recommendation?
EMANUEL A nice pork steak grilled and served with bread and mustard. Do not complicate it. Enjoy this simple but delicious Portuguese ‘petisco’ available in any treats place in Porto. To drink along we suggest a Sovina beer or a glass of ‘ vinho verde’, a young and fresh wine.
Unique and worldwide famous, Porto wine is produced exclusively in the Douro Demarcated Wine Region, the oldest one in the world, and aged in the cellars. In times past, it was transported through the Douro River, on the Rabelo boats, from the wine region until the river mouth, between Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto. Nowadays you can see the boats replicate by D. Luís I bridge.
read the interview with Patrícia e Emanuel de Sousa
For those who do not know Porto wine, can you explain, in simple way, what makes it so special?
PATRÍCIA Porto wine stands out from ordinary wines due its own particular characteristics: wide range of types, aroma’ s richness and intensity, high persistence of the color and aroma. Besides these, it presents a high alcoholic level, between 19% and 22% volume.
What do you suggest to who wants to learn more about it?
EMANUEL: It does not matter if you are an expert, a first timer or just a curious; a visit to Porto Wine Cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia is an excellent opportunity to find out more about the origins and the characteristics that make this wine such unique nectar from the gods. It is an occasion to learn from who knows about this subject.
Explore Porto... It does not matter how, when, with who, for how long. There is always a way of knowing the city taylor made for and by you. Enjoying your way of seeing the city, stopping here and there to visit, to taste, to listen that little detail that did not go unnoticed. On foot by the most old and traditional streets of Invicta, by bicycle on the waterfront, by tram in the historic center our by boat sailing the calm waters of Douro River.
discover our tailor-made tours
BIKE TOURS
with a picnicDESCRIPTION
A memorable and fun bike tour in Porto that ends with a delicious picnic. Join our tailor-made bike tour and explore the city like never before. Our bike tours are perfect for those who want to see the city in a short period of time. They are also suitable for guests who want to keep active while traveling. End the afternoon enjoying the sunset with a picnic prepared by our townhouse kitchen using seasonal, local and fresh ingredients.
INCLUDED
Bicycles
Guided tour
Personalized picnic
DURATION
3 hours or full day
INCLUDED
Bicycles
Guided tour
Personalized picnic
DURATION
3 hours or full day
RUNNING & JOGGING TOURS
DESCRIPTION
Join one of our running or jogging tours and get to know the most fascinating places in Porto. You will get to explore the historic part of town, the riverfront and the seaside. A jog in one of Porto’s green spaces like Parque da Cidade, the biggest urban park in the Iberian Peninsula, is a must. In case you need an energy boost, we can stop for a healthy and nutritious snack.
INCLUDED
Guide
DURATION
Personalized
INCLUDED
Guide
DURATION
Personalized
Distance, pace and location can be planned according to your needs.
DOURO REGION TOUR
with wine estate visits and wine tastingDESCRIPTION
The Douro Valley, one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Portugal. In our Douro tours, expect to visit local wine producers and farmers, tasting delicious wine and appreciating the amazing view over the river waters. Even though the wine is the star of the Douro, the fruits, nuts, honey, olive oil and local gastronomy make the Douro trip a fulfilling experience.
You do not have to be a wine enthusiast to visit the Douro region. There are many monuments and museums to see, local cuisine to try and experiences to live. You can visit an olive oil producer, take a boat trip or go rowing in the Douro river.
INCLUDED
Wine estate tours
Guide
Transportation
Wine tasting
DURATION
Full or multi-day
You do not have to be a wine enthusiast to visit the Douro region. There are many monuments and museums to see, local cuisine to try and experiences to live. You can visit an olive oil producer, take a boat trip or go rowing in the Douro river.
INCLUDED
Wine estate tours
Guide
Transportation
Wine tasting
DURATION
Full or multi-day
We will pick wine estates in accordance with your personal preference.
FOOD TOUR
DESCRIPTION
After proclaiming the title as the best brunch in Porto, releasing a recipe book, having hundred of cooking classes and launching a successful concept coffee shop & restaurant, we at ROSA ET AL Townhouse consider ourselves experts when it comes to local food and gastronomy. We are huge advocates for the Atlantic Diet (a characteristic of the region) for reasons you will learn on this tour. Porto is truly blessed to have diverse gastronomy that fits every profile from the wine selection, the protein options to the dessert! Join us and we will create a tailor-made food trip that you would want to repeat.
INCLUDED
Tasting of local delicacies
Guide
DURATION
3 hours, full or multi-day
INCLUDED
Tasting of local delicacies
Guide
DURATION
3 hours, full or multi-day
Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements or food intolerances.
DESCRIPTION
Spend a half or a full day in an architecture tour through the eyes of the ROSA ET AL Townhouse award-winning architect Emanual de Sousa. Guests get to take a closer look at the architectural diversity of Porto which has witnessed many centuries of a remarkable transformation. In this tour, exploring the works of Pritzker Architecture Prize winners and Escola de Porto extraordinaires, Siza Viera and Souto de Moura is a must. Sit down, have a meal and unleash your curiosity about anything Porto-related (or Portugal). Prolongated conversations and insider information from Emanual makes this tour one to remember. Transportation and/or meals are included upon request.
INCLUDED
Guide
DURATION
3 hours, full or multi-day
INCLUDED
Guide
DURATION
3 hours, full or multi-day
Have anything else in mind? Contact us in advance and we will create the perfect tour for you.