Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães

Lonely Planet review

The Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães is on the grounds of the Parque Municipal da Gandarinha. The whimsical late-19th-century mansion of Jorge O'Neill was designed by a painter, apparently inspired by Luigi Manini's opera-set designs, and is a dreamlike mix of styles, with castle turrets and an Arabic cloister. O'Neill was Irish, hence the clover leaves inside. But they didn't bring him luck, as he had to sell up later because of bankruptcy.

The interior displays the lavish furnishings installed by his successor, Count of Castro Guimarães, including 17th-century Indo-Portuguese inlaid cabinets, Oriental silk tapestries and 17th-century azulejos. A 16th-century illuminated manuscript is the most valuable exhibit, with a rare rendering of pre-earthquake Lisbon. Admission is with half-hourly guided tours. A bilingual booklet is available at the entrance.