Lisbon Baroque & the Art of Tiles
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Port
Lisbon, Portugal
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$79.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3½ hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
The word Baroque comes from the Portuguese barroco, which means an imperfect pearl. Baroque is an architectural and decorative style that flourished throughout Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries when Portugal enjoyed tremendous wealth from the discovery and exploitation of mines in Brazil.
Some say Baroque is the art of extravagance; others say it is the art of embellishment. Your tour takes you to two of Lisbon's finest examples of Baroque art.
The first is the beautiful Basilica da Estrela, whose impressive interior features marble of various colors on the walls and flooring. It houses the famous Christmas crib by Machado de Castro and the mausoleum of the founder Queen Maria I.
The second is the Tile Museum housed in the former Madre de Deus Convent. No country has used tile as an art form to the same extent as Portugal. This unique museum shows how the tiles are made and demonstrates their versatile use over a period of five centuries, right up to the present. The museum's masterpiece is a very long panel of tiles dating back to 1700, depicting the city of Lisbon as it was in that era. The former church was entirely redecorated in the 18th century, reflecting Portuguese Baroque art quite beautifully, with gilded carvings, azulejos, marble and precious Brazilian woods.
Enjoy some free time to buy souvenirs at the museum shop or relax in the lovely gardens and the original café with unusual kitchen tiles.
Notes:
Tour does not operate on Mondays. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Inside church visit(s) may not be possible if religious services are being held. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.