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Lisbon

Architectural, Cultural sights in Lisbon

  1. A

    Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães

    The grounds of Parque Marechal Carmona harbour the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, the whimsical early-19th-century mansion of Irish aristocrat Jorge O’Neill, complete with castle turrets and Arabic cloister. But the clover leaves inside didn’t bring him luck – he went bankrupt and had to sell up. His successor, Count of Castro Guimarães, lavishly decorated the abode with 17th-century Indo-Portuguese cabinets, Oriental silk tapestries and 17th-century azulejos. Don’t miss the rare 16th-century manuscript depicting pre-earthquake Lisbon. Admission is with half-hourly guided tours.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Casa dos Bicos

    The pincushion facade of Casa dos Bicos, the eccentric 16th-century abode of Afonso de Albuquerque, former viceroy to India, grabs your attention on Rua dos Bacalhoeiros. Chequered with 1125 pyramid-shaped stones, it now houses a private organisation, but nip inside if the lobby is open to glimpse remnants of the old Moorish city wall and brick streets.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Quinta dos Marquêses da Fronteira

    Quinta dos Marquêses da Fronteira is a charming, run-down 17th-century mansion, with tiles covering any space that's not formal Renaissance garden. You must reserve ahead for a tour.

    reviewed