Casa dos Bicos

Casa dos Bicos, or the "House of the Spikes", is a historic house in Lisbon whose façade is covered in rows of sharply pointed stones. It stands in the Alfama neighbourhood, within the civil parish of Santa Maria Maior, and is one of the most recognisable buildings in this part of the city.

What kind of building is it?

The house was built in the early 16th century. Its name comes from the distinctive front wall. Instead of a smooth surface, the façade shows a pattern of projecting, pointed elements that catch the sunlight and cast sharp shadows. This look was highly unusual for its time, and it still makes passers-by stop and stare.

Which architectural styles can you spot?

The façade blends two traditions. The first is Italian Renaissance architecture, known from palaces whose fronts were finished with faceted, pointed stonework. The second is the Manueline style, the Portuguese take on late Gothic that flourished during the Age of Discoveries. Together they make Casa dos Bicos an intriguing example of Renaissance urban architecture in Portugal.

Did it survive the 1755 earthquake?

Yes. The disastrous 1755 earthquake destroyed much of Lisbon, but this house came through it. That matters, because few buildings of such an early date remain in Alfama, and the house serves as a reminder of what the district looked like before the catastrophe.

How did its use change over time?

Over the years the building stopped being used as a residence. It was abandoned and later served as a warehouse. That chapter lasted until a renovation gave the house a new lease of life. The 20th-century restoration returned dignity to the building and gave it public functions.

What is inside today?

After its 20th-century renovation, Casa dos Bicos became the headquarters of the José Saramago Foundation. This makes it a meaningful stop for book lovers, since Saramago is a Portuguese author whose work is read far beyond his home country. The building is also a location of the Museum of Lisbon (Museu de Lisboa), which adds interest for anyone curious about the city's history.

Tips for visiting

The house sits in Alfama, one of the oldest districts of Lisbon. It is worth admiring from the street first, paying attention to the pattern of pointed stone blocks, and then checking on site the current opening hours of the exhibitions and entry rules, as these can change. The coordinates are 38.7091 N, 9.1327 W, which makes it easy to find with a map app.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Casa dos Bicos? In Lisbon, in the Alfama neighbourhood, in the parish of Santa Maria Maior.

When was it built? In the early 16th century.

Why is the façade so unusual? It is covered with pointed elements, influenced by Italian Renaissance palaces and Portuguese Manueline style.

Did it survive the 1755 earthquake? Yes, it survived the disaster that destroyed much of the city.

What is inside now? The headquarters of the José Saramago Foundation and a location of the Museum of Lisbon.