This magnificent house, also known as Casa de Brás de Albuquerque, was built in 1523 by order of Brás de Albuquerque, son of the famous conqueror Afonso de Albuquerque. Designed by the renowned architect Francisco de Arruda, Casa dos Bicos is a unique example of Lisbon's civilian residential architecture of the Renaissance.

As you approach this impressive building, you will notice its facade clad in diamond-shaped carved stones, known as "bicos", which reflect a clear Italian Renaissance influence. These architectural details, inspired by the palaces that Brás de Albuquerque admired during his travels in Italy, such as the Diamond Palace in Ferrara and the Bevilacqua Palace in Bologna, give it a unique charm.

Originally, the Casa dos Bicos had two facades decorated with the characteristic pyramid-shaped stones and two noble floors, highlighting the Manueline doors that gave access to the interior. However, after the devastating earthquake of Lisbon in 1755, the building suffered significant damage and lost its two upper floors.

After years of abandonment and changes of use, the Casa dos Bicos was rebuilt in 1983 to recover its original splendor. Since then, it has served as a space for exhibitions and cultural events, being ceded in its entirety to the José Saramago Foundation since 2012. Here, visitors can explore a permanent exhibition dedicated to the life and work of acclaimed Portuguese writer José Saramago, as well as enjoy various cultural events.

We invite you to delve into the history and art of this fascinating building and discover the treasures it houses inside - enjoy your visit to Casa dos Bicos in Lisbon!