Hey there! Big news from Portugal’s outskirts in Braga, Dona Chica’s Palace, left abandoned for 30 years, is getting a major glow-up into a fancy five-star hotel. Picture this: the castle’s four floors are getting a total makeover to host 10 awesome spaces, including a single room, seven doubles, and two swanky suites.
Now, the inside scoop! The Dona Chica’s hotel’s interior is all about blending with the castle’s charm, aiming for a vibe that screams luxury. They’re going for an exclusive, sophisticated ambiance, decking it out with unique and tasteful decor.
And it’s not just a place to crash; there are two cool spots to chow down—a bistro and a main restaurant, open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Plus, there’s an outdoor lounge for guests to kick back and savor their meals.
![Dona Chica's](https://mywikifeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Screenshot-2023-07-13-at-4.28.13-PM-768x521-1.jpg)
© CC BY 3.0 | José Goncalves on Wikimedia Commons
Back in the day, around the early 20th century, Dona Chica’s Palace was a hot topic. Built-in 1915 by architect Ernesto Korrodi, it was a dream project for João José Ferreiro e Rego, who wanted to gift his wife Francisca Peixoto do Rego a swanky palace for throwing epic parties. But, well, four years later, love took a backseat, and the palace stayed unfinished.
Now, it’s not just any castle. It sits just four kilometers from the lively heart of Braga, surrounded by nature’s hug. Imagine a castle with a wall around it, hugged by thick greenery, and packed with plants from Brazil, courtesy of Francisca Peixoto do Rego. It’s like a mini Eden, complete with walking trails, a lake, and a grotto straight from a Romantic-era dream.
![Dona Chica's](https://mywikifeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1084px-Castelo_D._Chica_6-1024x680.jpeg)
© CC BY 3.0 | José Goncalves on Wikimedia Commons
Step inside, and each of the four floors is a blend of styles and materials, connecting through a mix of cool elements. The exterior is a showstopper too—imagine exposed shale masonry, finely carved granite, sturdy turrets, and columns that add an elegant touch.
The windows are a puzzle, though. Crafted with wood and iron, or sometimes both, it makes you wonder if it was all part of Korrodi’s original plan or a spontaneous addition later on. The green roof tiles, though, seamlessly merge with the greenery, signed off by the designer.
![Dona Chica's](https://mywikifeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/478px-Castelo_D._Chica_13.jpeg)
© CC BY 3.0 | José Goncalves on Wikimedia Commons
It’s like an architectural marvel, a blend of history and a touch of modern luxury. Dona Chica’s Palace is stepping back into the limelight, and it’s one heck of a comeback!