National Tile Museum

National Museum of Azulejos featuring heritage elements
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
See rare examples of an ornamental art form that has become synonymous with Portugal in this museum dedicated to azulejo ceramic tiles.

Visit the National Museum of Azulejos to view a collection of intricately painted tiles from throughout the ages. Visible all across Lisbon and beyond, these skillfully painted tiles are an important part of Portugal’s artistic heritage.

Almost every visitor to Lisbon comes across these eye-catching tiles, which can be seen adorning walls, metro stations and courtyards all across the city. At the museum, learn about the origins of the art form, which is believed to have first arrived Portugal during the Moorish takeover of the Iberian Peninsula.

The museum is set inside the Madre de Deus Convent, a magnificent 16th-century building. Admire the ornate chapter house and the chapel dedicated to St. Anthony, which features elaborate decoration, including gilded frames, gold accents, carved wood, tiled panels and oil paintings.

Read about the production of azulejo tiles. Traditionally, the ceramic tiles are covered with an enamel glaze, then the decoration is stenciled on, before the tiles are painted and then slowly baked in a kiln.

Trace the changing popularity of the tiles in Portugal. Although much sought after throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, azulejos gradually fell out of vogue. By the early 20th century, production was in decline. In the mid 20th century, Lisbon’s new azulejo-decorated metro stations sparked a renewed interest in the art form and an azulejo revival movement was underway.

Inspect the museum’s impressive collection of tiles, which span the early 15th century through to the 20th century. Among the standout displays is a 1,300-tile panel depicting the cityscape of Lisbon prior to the 1755 earthquake. In addition to the more elaborate panels on show, the museum also showcases individual tiles bearing simpler designs including flowers.

The National Museum of Azulejos is located not far from the Tagus waterfront, northeast of Alfama. To get here, take the metro to the Santa Apolónia stop and walk northeast for around 20 minutes. Local buses stop nearer to the door. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. There is an admission fee for adults.

TURIM Ibéria Hotel
Hotel Ikonik Lisboa
TURIM Av Liberdade Hotel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Ramada by Wyndham Lisbon
Ramada by Wyndham Lisbon
4 out of 5
Avenida Engenheiro Arantes E Oliveira 9, Lisbon
Ramada by Wyndham Lisbon
Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Rua Laura Alves 9, Lisbon
Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Lisbon, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Lisbon, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Avenida Antonio Jose De Almeida 28-A, Lisbon
Holiday Inn Lisbon, an IHG Hotel
EPIC SANA Marques Hotel
EPIC SANA Marques Hotel
5 out of 5
Avenida Fontes de Pereira de Melo, 8, Lisbon
EPIC SANA Marques Hotel
Hotel Mundial
Hotel Mundial
4 out of 5
Praça Martim Moniz, 2, Lisbon
Hotel Mundial
Rossio Plaza Hotel
Rossio Plaza Hotel
3 out of 5
Rua do Ouro, 266, Lisbon
Rossio Plaza Hotel
Avenida Palace
Avenida Palace
5 out of 5
Rua 1 De Dezembro 123, Lisbon
Avenida Palace
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
4 out of 5
Rua da Madalena, 195, Lisbon
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
Hotel Convento do Salvador
Hotel Convento do Salvador
3 out of 5
Rua do Salvador, 2 B, Lisbon, Lisboa
Hotel Convento do Salvador
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.