Dona Chica’s Palace in Braga to become a luxury hotel

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.

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.

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.

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!