Situated in the Convento Madre de Deus, the National Azulejo Museum, which is also referred to as the Tile National Museum, has an original Azulejos collection of the 15th Century. Established in 1965, the museum is renowned for housing one of the world's largest collections of ceramics. Some of the museum's popular tiled exhibitions include a 17th-century panel, Nossa Senhora da Vida retabule, Great View of Lisbon, The Hunting Room and many more.
The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian (Calouste Gulbenkian Museum) houses a beautiful collection of objects, which at one time belonged to the private collection of the businessman, Calouste Gulbenkian. Inaugurated 14 years after his death, this museum includes some rare works from a variety of periods. Pieces of Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Islamic-Oriental art are all showcased here. The museum is complemented by a vast collection of European paintings from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the last century as well. Works from the likes of Lochner, Renoir, Monet, Manet, Rembrandt, Van Dyck, and Rodin are on display here.
The Lisbon Zoo is one of the jewels of the city, having been in existence for more than 100 years. Little by little, the traditional aspects of the zoo are being supported by the latest technology, which is in place to help protect endangered species. There are a wide variety of species on show, and the beautiful greenery surrounding the area provides the perfect backdrop for a nice walk. Check for varying dates.
One of Lisbon's most recognizable landmarks, the Castelo de São Jorge looms over the city center, perched on top of a hill. Its strategic position gave it a great defensive military advantage and as a result, the hill has been the site of fortifications for millennia, dating as far back as the Visigoths in the 5th Century BCE and later followed by the Moors, Christian crusaders and the Portuguese royal family. The castle's ramparts are spread about the hillside, punctuated by 18 towers at intervals. One of these, the Tower of Ulysses, has a fascinating 360-degree view of the city via a camera. Visitors can explore remains of the city's Moorish heritage by roaming the citadel's archaeological site or visit relic-filled galleries. They can also enjoy views of Lisbon's rooftop-lined streets as they wind their way to the Tagus River or enjoy the calm of the gardens within the citadel walls.
Originally built as a defense battlement in 1515, the Belém Tower is a symbol of Portuguese exploration and discovery. Commissioned by King D. Manuel I, the tower showcases a fine example of fortified military architecture from the Middle Ages. Standing over the River Tagus, it was dedicated to sheltering the city of Lisbon from attacks. Despite being an exemplary military fortress that served its purpose fully well, it was not devoid of aesthetic enhancements. Aside from providing breathtaking views from its terraces, the tower features beautiful elements of North African Moorish architecture, evident from its uniquely-shaped watchtowers, symmetric turrets and intricate carvings that go beyond mere functional engineering. The entrance to the tower is via a wooden bridge that traverses the river below. Since 1983, the Belem Tower has been declared a global property by UNESCO.
The National Museum of Ancient Art houses one of the city's richest collections of artifacts. The pieces on exhibit consist of paintings, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, right up to the simplest drawings, sketches and engravings. The focus of the exhibits is the period between the 12th and 19th Centuries. Some of the better-known pieces on display here are the murals of Saint Vincent Panels, the Custódia de Belém, and a great collection of antique Chinese porcelain.
Known for its beautifully outlandish architecture and collection of cryptic features relating to religious cults and ideologies, the Quinta da Regaleira is a balance of the bold and the bizarre. This palatial estate, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once belonged to the Viscountess of Regaleira, before Carvalho Monteiro purchased it in 1892, and transformed into the symbolic repository that it is known as today. After collaborating with Italian architect Luigi Manini, Monteiro re-built several parts of the 4-hectare (9.8 acres) estate. Speckled across its vast sprawl is a motley of buildings that span Gothic, Roman, Renaissance and Moorish architectural styles. The main mansion creeps up from between randomly strewn groves of smallish to large trees, an imposing stone structure replete with ornate elements, gargoyles, sculptures and even allegories associated with alchemy, Masonry, the Knights Templar order and Rosicrucians. Dotting the rest of the estate are semblances of statues, grottoes and ponds. One of the most intriguing features of this otherworldly estate is the subterranean group of wells that were built underneath the Quinta da Regaleira, a set of 'Initiation Wells' that eerily spiral down to unknown depths, seemingly inspired by Masonic principles and Dante's Inferno.
Although the name does not refer it, the fact is that the Pavilhão do Conhecimento is an interactive science museum, a place where the primary goal is to trigger everyone's interest on science in general. Opened to the public in 1999, this place has several permanent exhibitions, and also multiple temporary displays, intensely focused on giving the visitor a truthful and unique set of scientific experiences. Located at the Parque das Nações, it is great for kids, and also for everyone who wants to discover some of the most basic science essentials.
A cultural group, whether it is simply dedicated to an art (like theater), or to a more diverse set of educational activities, always deserves the best of attentions. The Carnide Group of Theatre perfectly embodies the task of culture for a better education. Music, painting, folklore, all types of art are adopted by this group that still makes of theater its main activity. A group of non-professional actors first formed the group during the 60s. Since then, it has been recognized as one of the most important, and dedicated groups of theatre in Lisbon.
One of Sintra's most popular aviation museums, Museu do Ar is housed within the Sintra Air Base. Though the museum was established in 1909, it was only opened to the public in 1971. The museum's exhibits include a wide range of combat aircrafts, uniforms, flight gear, tools and photographs, offering insights into the rich history of the air base. History buffs and discerning tourists visiting Sintra must consider heading to the Museu do Ar for an enriching experience.
Situated in the Convento Madre de Deus, the National Azulejo Museum, which is also referred to as the Tile National Museum, has an original Azulejos collection of the 15th Century. Established in 1965, the museum is renowned for housing one of the world's largest collections of ceramics. Some of the museum's popular tiled exhibitions include a 17th-century panel, Nossa Senhora da Vida retabule, Great View of Lisbon, The Hunting Room and many more.
Encompassing a wide area of 10 acres (4.04 hectares), this beautiful garden is located right in the heart of Principe Real. Classified as a national monument in 2010, these botanical gardens, are considered to be the best in Southern Europe. Been around the corner since the mid 19th Century, these gardens have a wide variety of plants and trees, some of which are as old as the dinosaurs. Yes, you read it right. These exotic plant species form a dense vegetation, right amidst the bustling city, thereby making it a major tourist attraction. Over 18,000 species can been seen here, which are labelled and describe to give the visitor some information.