Torel Palace, Porto: where Portuguese literature and architecture meet

A Portuguese palace from 1861 has been brought back to life — its walls stripped of layers of paint to reveal the beauty beneath. The stucco ceilings depict Portuguese writers, who now lend their names to the hotel’s suites

A Portuguese palace from 1861 has been brought back to life — its walls stripped of layers of paint to reveal timeless beauty. The stucco ceilings depict great Portuguese writers, who now lend their names to the hotel’s suites, blending history, literature, and luxury in the heart of Porto.

Uncovering the Hidden Stories of Portuguese Writers at Torel Palace Porto

During the renovation of Torel Palace Porto, as the team restored the high ceilings to their original splendour, they uncovered bas-reliefs representing celebrated Portuguese writers. This discovery inspired the naming of the rooms — each suite dedicated to an iconic literary figure such as Florbela Espanca or Fernando Pessoa. It’s a poetic way to connect the palace’s artistic past with Portugal’s enduring cultural heritage.

Inside the Literary Suites: Where Art, History and Portuguese Soul Converge

Suite No. 5 pays homage to journalist, diplomat and writer Eça de Queiroz, one of the leading voices of Portuguese realism. A restless traveller, he composed much of his work abroad while keeping a critical eye on his homeland. His ambitious cycle of twelve novels, Scenes from Portuguese Life, portrayed every layer of society — from Lisbon to Porto, from nobles to workers, politicians and artists.

What began as a short story evolved into a six-hundred-page novel that stirred Lisbon’s literary scene so deeply that he waited fifty years before publishing it. The suite reflects his depth: the bathroom is a mirrored cube in the centre of the room, surrounded by elegant living areas. On the right, an imposing bed sits beneath painted ceilings, inviting guests to imagine the lives once lived here. Frescoes of playful angels hint at its past as a children’s room.

The living room features a large sofa and a console table adorned with a vintage typewriter, crystal glasses, and a fridge stocked with Portuguese wines. A portrait by Jorge Curval immortalises the author. From the three tall windows overlooking Rua de Entreparedes, guests can watch seagulls gliding over Porto’s rooftops and hear the whisper of the Atlantic carried by the wind.

Meet Ingrid Koeck: The Vision Behind Torel Palace Porto and the Torel Boutique Collection

Opened in February 2020, Torel Palace Porto is part of the Torel Boutique Collection, which includes four distinctive hotels — one in Lisbon and three in Porto. Ingrid Koeck, one of the three partners, explains: “Each of our hotels has its own personality. In Lisbon, Torel Palace is dedicated to the Kings and Queens of Portugal. Torel Avantgarde draws inspiration from international and Portuguese artists, while Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments celebrates the Portuguese Discoveries.”

A Masterclass in Interior Design: Isabel Sá Nogueira’s Timeless Vision

The interior design was entrusted to Isabel Sá Nogueira, known for her work on Torel Palace Lisboa and the common areas of Torel Avantgarde. “We trust our designers completely,” says Koeck. “Once we define the hotel’s theme, they interpret it freely, selecting materials and suppliers locally — everything must come from Portugal.”

The architectural structure was preserved, while the renovation focused on furniture, colours and lighting. The goal was to highlight the palace’s beauty — from the lobby and staircase to the skylight. The curved staircase leads the eye to a domed ceiling adorned with bas-reliefs of four deities dear to the merchant family who once owned the palace. At night, subtle lighting enhances the dome’s contours, creating an atmosphere of quiet grandeur.

Built in 1861, the palace required extensive restoration. “Some parts were badly damaged,” recalls Koeck. “We had to remove layers of overpainting to free the palace from what time had added. The renovation took three years.”

Sustainability and Conscious Luxury: Torel Palace Porto’s Eco-Friendly Approach

“We try to be as plastic-free as possible — the only plastic we still use is for coffee pods,” says Koeck. “Our water comes in glass bottles, amenities are Portuguese, and we now offer bamboo slippers and wooden toothbrushes packaged in paper.”

Water-saving systems and automatic lighting reduce waste. “We’re not an eco-hotel per se, but we’re conscious about saving resources. We encourage guests to reuse towels and avoid unnecessary waste — small actions that make a big difference.”

From Vision to Reality: The Inspiring Story of the Torel Boutique Collection

The Torel story began when three people — Barbara, João and Ingrid — met by chance, each at a turning point in life. “João had worked in banking for twenty years before leaving to start Torel Palace Lisbon, then a small twelve-room bed & breakfast,” recalls Koeck. “Barbara, also Austrian, stayed there during a trip, fell in love with the project, and decided to invest. She moved to Portugal and became a partner in 2014-2015.”

“I come from a hospitality background,” Ingrid continues. “My grandmother ran a B&B, my parents a restaurant in Austria. I studied journalism and later worked for the United Nations — ten years in Africa and the Middle East. Eventually, I felt the need to return to Europe and hospitality. I remembered Portugal from a trip years before. So I quit my job, drove from Austria to Portugal, and started looking for a project. That’s how I met Barbara and João. When I joined in 2016, we had one hotel — now we have four.”

Blind Restaurant Porto: A Sensory Journey Inspired by José Saramago

Located on the lower level of Torel Palace Porto, Blind Restaurant takes its name from Blindness by José Saramago. The restaurant opens onto a courtyard and a swimming pool surrounded by greenery, welcoming both hotel guests and locals.

Created by Porto chef Vítor Matos, Blind offers tasting menus of eight or ten courses, each dish telling a story of Portugal through its ingredients and creativity. “The dishes have poetic names, so guests never know exactly what they’ll get,” says Koeck. “Everything connects to Portuguese culture. One dish pays tribute to a southern chef — seafood on a blue plate that evokes the sea. It’s a true concept restaurant, an experience that reflects the spirit of Porto and the essence of Portugal.”

Matteo Mammoli