Despite its somewhat out-of-the-way location (best reached by taxi),
this delightful museum is well worth a visit,
presenting five centuries of decorative ceramic tiles or azulejos,
tracing the history and production of the art form.
Its collection is the
only of its kind in the world, and contains a splendid array of tiles from
as early as the 15th century along with displays on how they're made.
It is
housed in the monastic buildings of the Madre de Deus Convent, which after
renovation following the Great Earthquake had its interior turned into one
of the most magnificent in the city. The splendor and opulence of the
chapel dedicated to St. Anthony and the chapter house is particularly
impressive. Noteworthy amid the rich decoration are panels in the ceiling
with gilt frames set with paintings, including portraits of King João III
and his queen, Catherine of Austria. Several other glorious paintings in
the church depict the life of saints, and filling the main vault are scenes
from the Life of the Virgin.
The highlight of the museum is a blue and white composition of 1300
tiles, 23m (75ft) in length, of Lisbon's cityscape made in 1738, prior to
the Great Earthquake, and reputedly the country's longest tile piece.
There's also a good café-restaurant and a gift shop that sells tile
reproductions.
Where: Rua Madre de Deus, 4 Alfama How: Taxi or buses 718 or 742
When: 10AM-6PM (Wed.-Sun.), 2PM-6PM (Tues.) (Closed Mondays)
What: www.mnazulejo-ipmuseus.pt
Despite its somewhat out-of-the-way location (best reached by taxi),
this delightful museum is well worth a visit,
presenting five centuries of decorative ceramic tiles or 
It is
housed in the monastic buildings of the Madre de Deus Convent, which after
renovation following the Great Earthquake had its interior turned into one
of the most magnificent in the city. The splendor and opulence of the
chapel dedicated to St. Anthony and the chapter house is particularly
impressive. Noteworthy amid the rich decoration are panels in the ceiling
with gilt frames set with paintings, including portraits of King João III
and his queen, Catherine of Austria. Several other glorious paintings in
the church depict the life of saints, and filling the main vault are scenes
from the Life of the Virgin.
The highlight of the museum is a blue and white composition of 1300
tiles, 23m (75ft) in length, of Lisbon's cityscape made in 1738, prior to
the Great Earthquake, and reputedly the country's longest tile piece.