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.

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.