Chiado Museum
The national gallery of contemporary art
Redesigned by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, this museum
specializes in 19th and 20th century Portuguese contemporary art.
The permanent collection is displayed in thematic exhibitions,
with paintings and sculpture illustrating the development
from Romanticism to Modernism. Most of the works are Portuguese, with a few
international pieces including French sculpture from the
late 19th century and some works by Rodin.
Rodin's masterpiece The Bronze Age
so realistically depicts a naked man clasping a spear,
that he was
accused of taking a cast from the model. Other engaging exhibits include a self-portrait by Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro and two art deco diptychs
by Portuguese modernist Almada Negreiros.
Temporary exhibitions are held in a separate room, and there's a good café (accessible not just to those visiting the museum) looking onto
a pleasant garden and terrace with a view over Lisbon. It is recommended for brunch, especially on Sundays when entrance to the museum is free
until 2PM.
São
Carlos Theater - The city's La Scala-inspired opera house.
Carmo
Church - Romantic Gothic ruins evocative of the Great Earthquake.
São
Roque Church - Home of the world's most expensive chapel
Miradouro
de São Pedro de Alcântara - A garden with a panoramic view over the city.
Camões
Square - A busy square and meeting place between Chiado and Bairro Alto.
Principe
Real - Charming leafy square.
Miradouro de Santa Catarina - A terrace and café with a view.
Botanical
Garden - An enchanting botanical garden.
