Casa dos Bicos, Historical museum in Santa Maria Maior, Portugal
Casa dos Bicos is a Renaissance building in Lisbon whose facade is decorated with diamond-shaped stones arranged across four stories. The structure blends Renaissance and Manueline architectural elements, creating a distinctive visual effect.
The building was constructed in the early 1520s under Afonso de Albuquerque's direction and survived the major earthquake of 1755 that devastated Lisbon. Its stability during this disaster made it an important example of construction techniques from that era.
The building hosts two distinct collections that tell stories about Lisbon's past and showcase works by writer José Saramago. Visitors find both ancient artifacts and contemporary artistic works displayed within its walls.
The site is easily reached from the old town, where the building stands on a traditional Lisbon street. It is advisable to check ahead whether exhibitions are open, as the space sometimes opens only for special events.
Excavations beneath the building uncovered ancient Roman fish processing tanks, revealing that this site was used for industrial work for centuries. These underground remains suggest the area was an active center of trade and production in ancient times.
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