Portugal's Museums: National Tile Museum: Museu Nacional do Azulejo
The National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) is situated in the eastern part of Lisbon about 1 km north east of Santa Apolonia train station. The museum could lay claim to be the city's most beautiful museum, housed as it is in the former convent of Madre de Deus, founded in 1509 by the widow of King Joao II, Dona Leonor of Lancaster.
All that remains of the original structure is the fine Manueline doorway but the 18th century interior is a perfect backdrop to the national collection of azulejos (decorative tiles).
Exhibits
The museum displays azulejos from the 15th century to the present day including a 37 meter-long panorama of pre-earthquake Lisbon made in 1730. Other works come from as far away as the Ottoman Empire and Goa in India.
As well as the tiles and fine architecture, there are paintings, a bookshop and a recommended cafe/restaurant.
National Tile Museum - how to get to the National Tile Museum in Lisbon
National Tile Museum
Rua Madre de Deus 4
1900-312 Lisboa
Tel: 21 8100 340
Buses: #104, #105, #718, #742, #794.
Hours: Tuesday 2 pm - 6 pm; Wednesday to Sunday 10 am - 6.00 pm;
Admission: Adults 4 EUR; Free with Lisboa Card
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