The only Azulejo tile museum in the world

#ArtTourism The Museu Nacional do Azulejo or National Tile Museum, located in the east of Lisbon, is probably the only museum in the world that collects historical knowledge about Azulejo tiles from various eras in Portugal. Therefore, it is considered a Top Attraction that is worth visiting. Azulejo tiles – or in Arabic “Az-zulayj”, were originally Moorish works of art that were spread to countries in the Iberian Peninsula, starting from southern Spain. In the 15th century, King Manuel I of Portugal ordered Azulejo tiles from Granada to decorate his palace in Sintra, and they have been popular to this day. Anyone who visits Portugal will definitely see Azulejo tiles decorated in churches, restaurants, shophouses, etc. Azulejos have therefore become a symbol of the Portuguese way of life. The tiles on display at the National Tile Museum are works that have been collected from the 16th century to the present day. There are Azulejos of every color and style from various eras. Both the tiles of saints ordered by the church, the patterned tiles influenced by China during the Portuguese trading with Asia, the Italo-Flemish Mannerist tiles ordered from Antwerp, the ultra-modern tiles from the 20th century... and the highlight is the longest tile painting in Lisbon, a painting of the city's landscape from 1700, which is 23 meters long. In addition to the interesting Azulejos collection, the location of this museum, which used to be a Madre de Deus convent, is also very beautiful. There is a shady garden, a Cloister area decorated with Azulejos all around, and a section of the Madre de Deus church decorated in Portuguese baroque art - the walls and ceilings are dazzling with intricate wood carvings painted in bright gold, paintings, and Azulejo tiles by excellent craftsmen. It is so beautiful and magnificent that it almost takes your breath away. After walking around, there is a staircase to the 2nd floor where you can see it from a high angle and take more pictures. Snap a lot of photos! 🏛 Address Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum) Rua da Madre de Deus, 4, 1900-312 Lisboa 🚌 Bus routes: 210 / 718 / 742 / 759 / 794, get off at Igreja Madre Deus stop ⏰ Opening hours Tuesday - Sunday: 10.00 - 18.00 (Last admission 17.30) Those who love historical travel and love art should definitely stop by.