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Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Lisbon)

The idea of decorative tiles was a legacy of the Moors.From the 16th century onward, Portugal started producing its own painted ceramic tiles (azulejos). The blue-and-white tiles of the Baroque era are considered by many to be the finest.

The National Tile Museum is housed in the Convento da Madre de Deus, founded by Dona Leonor (widow of Joao ll) in 1509. The interior of the church has striking Baroque decoration, added by Joao V.

An important surviving feature of the original convent is the Manueline cloister. Together with the larger Renaissance cloister, it provides a stunning setting for the museum, Decorative panels, individual tiles, and photographs trace tile-making from its introduction, through Spanish influence and the development of Portugal's own styles, to today. Panels from churches, monasteries, and other sites around Portugal have been reassembled here, Highlights include a blue-and¬white, 18th-century panorama showing Lisbon before the earthquake, and the colorful 17th-century carpet tiles.

Open Wednesday to Sunday: from 10:00 to 18:00 and on Tuesday from 14:00 to 18:00
Closed Mondays
Phone (+351) 218 100 340
Address Rua da Madre de Deus, 4 ; 1900-312 Lisboa
Web www.museudoscoches-ipmuseus.pt

Museums in Lisbon

• Museo de Artes Decorativas (Lisbon)
• Museu Calouste Gulbenkian (Lisbon)
• Museu do Chiado (Lisbon)
• Museu da Marinha (Lisbon)
• Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (Lisbon)
• Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Lisbon)
• Museu Nacional dos Coches (Lisbon)