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MUSEU NACIONAL DO AZULEJO

⌂ Rua da Madre de Deus 4 @ 718, 728, 742, 759, 794 # 10am–6pm Tue–Sun ¢ Mon, public hols ∑ museudoazulejo.gov.pt

Housed in a beautiful 16th-century convent, the National Tile Museum offers an unmatched display of this uniquely Portuguese art form, with azulejos dating from the 15th century right through to the present day.

Dona Leonor, widow of King João II, founded the Convento da Madre de Deus in 1509. Built in Manueline style, restorations of the church under João III and João V added its simple Renaissance designs and striking Baroque decoration. The stunning convent cloisters are now home to the National Tile Museum. Decorative panels and individual tiles trace the evolution of tile-making from its Moorish roots up to the current Portuguese art form. The walls of the restaurant are lined with 19th-century tiles, depicting hanging game, from wild boar and pheasants to fish.

t Fine 17th-century tiles patterning the cloister from the original convent

Experience Beyond the Centre

t The 16th-century church of Madre de Deus acquired its sumptuous interiors under João V. The Rococo altar piece was added after the earthquake of 1755.

PICTURE PERFECT

Manueline Designs

Set around a central courtyard, the cloister is a serene spot. Its delicate columns and carved vaulted walk-ways are the perfect place to point your lens.

Did You Know?

The word azulejo has Arabic roots – it means “small polished stone”.