A 16th century architectural curiosity

This "House of Spikes" is an architectural curiosity, faced with diamond-shaped stones (a total of 1125).

It is a 16th century palace that belonged to Afonso de Albuquerque, the viceroy of India, and is one of the very few buildings that survived the 1755 earthquake.

It is thought to have been modelled on Italian palaces, although the two upper floors have exuberant arched windows characteristic of the Portuguese Manueline style.

Its interior is not usually open to the public, except when it hosts occasional special exhibitions.

There are tourist shops in the vicinity as well as cheap restaurants known for their traditional grilled fish dishes.

Where: Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, Alfama How: Walk from Comercio Square. When: Only opens for temporary exhibitions.

Sights Nearby

Comercio Square - Monumental riverside square.
Municipal Square - Home of the City Hall palace.
Rua Augusta - The city's main shopping street.
Conceição Velha Church - Church that survived the Great Earthquake.
The National Pantheon - The domed church that took centuries to complete.
Santo Antonio Church - Saint Anthony's birthplace.
The Roman Theater - The archaological remains of a once large Roman theater.
Fado Museum - The story of the national music.
Military Museum - A testament to the country's battles.
Doca do Jardim do Tabaco - Sleek restaurants and club on the waterfront.