DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM
The Ricardo Espirito Santo Foundation collection
Situated in a corner of Miradouro das Portas do Sol in the 17th century
Azurara Palace, this brilliant museum gives a picture of aristocratic life in
the 18th and 19th centuries.
The building was bought by Ricardo Espirito Santo, a wealthy banker who later bequeathed his valuable collection to the state.
On display is magnificent Indo-Portuguese furniture, a priceless collection of
silver and Chinese porcelain, and several Flemish tapestries from the 16th and 18th
centuries.
The interior of the palace itself is beautiful, with its original 17th
century wooden floors, painted ceilings, and panels of blue and white tiles
making it an ideal setting for the exceptional furniture and tapestries.
The most captivating areas are the bedrooms and the upstairs dining room,
with an ancient grandfather clock and a beautiful painted ceiling.
Alongside the museum are workshops where artisans reproduce antiques and
practice traditional crafts like gilding, wood-carving, and bookbinding.
You may end your visit at the workshops seeing the artisans at work, or with a drink at the lovely courtyard cafe.
Get reduced admission to the museum and ride Lisbon's metro, buses, and trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card.
How to Visit
Where: Largo das Portas do Sol, 2, Alfama
How: Walk up from Baixa or tram 28, or bus 37.
When: 10AM-5PM (Closed Christmas, New Year's, and May 1st)
What: www.fress.pt
Sights Nearby
Saint
George's Castle - Overlooking the city from millennium-old walls.
Miradouro Portas do Sol - Standing over Alfama.
Miradouro de
Santa Luzia - Views of the river and Alfama.
The
Cathedral - The city's oldest building.
São
Vicente de Fora Church - A 16th century monastery with an exceptional tiled interior.
The
National Pantheon - The domed church that took centuries to complete.
Santo
Antonio Church - Saint Anthony's birthplace.
Graça Church
and Miradouro - A panoramic view to the castle and the city.
Casa
dos Bicos - A 16th century architectural curiosity.
The
Roman Theater - The archaological remains of a once large Roman theater.
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