Museu Nacional do Azulejo

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The Madre de Deus Convent, which hosts the museum, was commissioned by Queen Leonor, the widow of King John II.

2. 2

   The Great Panorama of Lisbon consists of 1,300 tiles and serves as a vital historical record of the city's pre-1755 layout.

3. 3

   The collection includes 'Corda Seca' tiles, a specialized technique used in early production to prevent colors from running during firing.

4. 4

   The church interior contains a ceiling painted by Andre Gonçalves, depicting the life of the Virgin Mary.

5. 5

   Many tiles in the collection were salvaged from private residences and demolished palaces across Portugal.

6. 6

   The museum holds tiles from the 16th century that show clear Italian Renaissance and Flemish influences.

7. 7

   The convent's cloister is an example of Manueline architecture, characterized by ornate, sea-inspired stone carvings.

Overview

The Museu Nacional do Azulejo is housed within the former Madre de Deus Convent, founded in 1509. It is one of the only museums in the world dedicated specifically to the art of the ceramic tile. The collection spans five centuries, tracing the evolution of azulejo production from the 15th century to the present. The museum is renowned for its baroque church, which features extensive gold-leaf carvings and intricate tile panels. A highlight of the permanent collection is the Great Panorama of Lisbon, a 23-meter-long tile panel depicting the city as it appeared before the 1755 earthquake. The museum complex includes a cloister and a choir that retain original architectural elements. It showcases both domestic and industrial applications of tiles, including religious and secular motifs. The exhibits demonstrate the transition from Moorish-influenced geometric patterns to figurative blue-and-white narratives. The site remains a primary repository for Portugal's decorative ceramic heritage.

Insider tips

• Visit the cafe at the end of your tour for a view of the quiet interior courtyard.

• Use the provided audio guide to understand the complex symbolism found in the baroque tile panels.

• Look up while inside the church to see the detailed wood-carved ceilings which complement the tile work.