Museu Nacional do Azulejo

Museu Nacional do Azulejo

One of the first things you will notice when you arrive in Lisbon is the gorgeous decorative tiles, decorating the walls, floors and ceilings of many prominent buildings throughout the city. Azulejo is a form of glazed ceramic tile that is used all over Spain and Portugal to decorate palaces, churches, houses and other buildings. From an Arabic word that means “polished stone,” these cool, smooth tiles are an important part of the culture of Portugal.

The Museu Nacional do Azulejo is the only museum of its kind in the world, dedicated to the art of the decorative ceramic tile. Admire the collection of tiles from the 15th century onward, learn about how they are made and marvel at the royal portraits with elaborate gilded frames. The highlight of this museum is a stunning 75 foot long cityscape of Lisbon made in 1738, consisting of 1300 tiles.