If there’s one visual art form that perfectly captures the soul of Portugal, it’s azulejos, those hand-painted ceramic tiles you see on nearly every street, church, and house façade in Lisbon. These vibrant tiles aren’t just decoration; they’re stories in color and clay, reflecting centuries of culture, influence, and artistic evolution. One of our favorite places to dive deep into this tradition is the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum), set in the beautiful, historic Madre de Deus Convent in Lisbon.
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Want to plan your visit with the perfect blend of food, culture, and architecture? Check out our essential Lisboa itinerary for tips on where to go before or after the museum!
If you want to see our list of Lisboa activities on a map, here is our Lisboa Google Map
What are Azulejos?
The name azulejo comes from the Arabic al zuleique, meaning “small polished stone,” a nod to the art form’s Moorish roots.
Over the centuries, Portuguese artists made the medium uniquely their own, blending Moorish geometry with Renaissance storytelling and Baroque drama.
Practical Museum Info
Before you go:
- 📍 Where: Museu Nacional do Azulejo, Rua da Madre de Deus, Lisbon
- 🕘 Hours: Generally 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday; closed Mondays (typical of many Lisbon museums).
- 💶 Tickets: Around €8-€10, but if you’re using a Lisboa tourist pass (like the Lisboa Card), admission can be included, saving you money.
- ☕ There’s a café + gift shop on site, perfect for a slow lunch afterward.
Experience Tip: Book a full-day tile workshop and tour of the museum. You learn all about the tiles and get to make some yourselves! Lisbon Tiles and Tales Tour
First Floor Azulejos: Historical Beginnings
The exhibit begins with early tiles and slowly leads you through the centuries, from functional architectural pieces to elaborately painted panels. Many pieces tell stories from religious narratives to daily life.
We, of course, like to be goofy and realised that behind this cutout was the room where they were doing the tile restorations. There are tiles from churches, buildings, and houses ready to be cataloged, restored, and displayed. If they didn’t get any more tiles at all, it would take them about 10 years to finish what they have.
Second Floor Azulejos: Blue and While Masterpieces
Upstairs, rooms of stunning blue-and-white tiles show the influence of Chinese porcelain on Portuguese tile art. Spot iconic scenes like the mural of Alexander the Great — and yes, even the Chicken Wedding! (Totally a must-see and totally a crowd-pleaser.)
Chapel of St. Anthony
One of the museum’s unforgettable stops is the chapel, a rich, Baroque space covered in tiles and gilded woodwork that feels almost sacred. This was Beth’s favorite room.
Grand Panorama of Lisbon
On the top floor is one of our absolute favorites: a massive tile mural showing Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake. It’s a 23-meter panoramic snapshot of a city long lost to time.
Why We Love It
This museum isn’t just a collection of tiles, it’s a visual history book and one of our favorite spots in Lisbon. Whether you’re a history nerd, an art lover, or someone who delights in hidden gems, this place rewards curiosity.
And don’t forget to check out our full Lisboa itinerary to make the most of your time in the city!
💡 Pro Tip: Combine the tile museum with nearby neighborhoods like Alfama or a visit to the MAAT Museum if you’re chasing design and architecture in Lisbon.
🍷 After your museum time, head to a nearby café (we love pairing azulejos with a glass of vinho verde) or stroll along the riverfront for sunset views.
If you want to hear more about our trip to the tile museum, check out our Podcast! You can also see pics and videos on our social media, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Shelley is a full-time traveler, writer, and podcaster based in Portugal, where she lives with her wife and their beloved bulldog, Scoot. Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Shelley is a former history teacher who swapped the classroom for cobblestone streets and passport stamps. These days, she explores Portugal and Europe in search of fascinating stories, unforgettable sights, and local flavor—then shares it all through her blog and podcast, Wandering Works for Us, where curiosity meets adventure (and sometimes wine).