Casa dos Bicos, Lisbon

Casa dos Bicos is a historic house recognised by its striking façade, covered in projecting diamond-shaped stone points. The building dates from the early 16th century and was created under Brás de Albuquerque, after his time in Italy exposed him to Renaissance palaces. Its design combines Italian Renaissance influence with Portuguese Manueline details, and the credited architects are Manuel Vicente and José Daniel Santa-Rita.

The façade belongs to a rectangular house with four floors, irregular openings and a tiled roof. Look at the stonework itself: the points catch light differently across the surface, while the windows and doorways vary in shape and spacing. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake destroyed the principal façade and two floors, but those lost levels were reconstructed during restoration in the 20th century.

Archaeological work inside uncovered traces from Roman and Moorish periods, including Roman salting tanks, a medieval tower and Mudéjar paving. The building later served as a warehouse for salted cod. Today it houses the José Saramago Foundation and forms part of the Museum of Lisbon, with a permanent exhibition devoted to Saramago’s life and public work.