Casa Andresen

Casa Andresen is a nineteenth-century small palace in Porto, set on the grounds of the former Quinta do Campo Alegre on Rua do Campo Alegre. Today it belongs to the Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto and sits beside the Porto Botanical Garden, so the two are easy to visit together.

What is the history of Casa Andresen?

The estate's story begins in the early 1800s. In 1802 a Frenchman, Jean Pierre Salabert, who made fine hats, bought Quinta Grande, land that had earlier belonged to the Order of Christ. It became known as Quinta Grande do Salabert. After the French invasions the state confiscated it from its owner, and by the Liberal revolution of 1820 it belonged to João José da Costa.

In 1875 it was bought by João Silva Monteiro, an emigrant returned from Brazil, who had the old house pulled down and a small palace built in its place. About twenty years later the estate passed to João Henrique Andresen Júnior and his wife Joana, who completed the remodelling of the house and gardens. Andresen was the son of an industrialist and Port wine trader of the same name, and the grandfather of the writer Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, one of Portugal's most important twentieth-century poets.

What stands out about the architecture?

The building is considered unusual for its interior layout, its use of natural light, its scale and its relationship with the surrounding botanical garden. The house is not a standalone monument but part of a landscaped estate, so walking the paths around it matters as much as the building itself. Greenhouses designed as part of the same ensemble complete the picture of a former country estate inside the city.

Where is it and how do you get there?

Casa Andresen lies in western Porto, in the Campo Alegre district, close to the Botanical Garden and University of Porto faculties. Its coordinates are roughly 41.1536 N, 8.6426 W. From the centre you can reach it by public transport or taxi, and on foot from the garden side. Plan at least an hour if you want to see the exterior and stroll unhurried through the neighbouring gardens.

Why visit?

It suits visitors who enjoy nineteenth-century architecture, the families behind Port wine and Portuguese literature. The place brings together the Andresen family story, a former rural estate and today's university life. Since 2015 the house has been part of the university museum, giving it a new educational and cultural role.

Frequently asked questions

What is Casa Andresen? A late nineteenth-century small palace in Porto, the former residence of the Andresen family and now part of a university museum.

Who lived here? The estate passed through several owners; from the late 1800s it belonged to João Henrique Andresen Júnior and his wife Joana, grandparents of the poet Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen.

Is the botanical garden nearby? Yes. Casa Andresen adjoins the Porto Botanical Garden and stands on the former Quinta do Campo Alegre.

When did it become part of the museum? Since 2015 it has formed part of the Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto.

Is it worth visiting just for this building? It is best combined with the botanical garden and a walk around the Campo Alegre district.