National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga)
Once home to the infamous Marquês de Pombal, this 17th-century palace now houses the National Museum of Ancient Art. Since the museum first opened its doors in 1884, it has earned its reputation of being one of the most important collections of art in Europe. Parts of the building is even older and was once the Saint Albert monastery. Within its walls is a large collection of Portuguese and European art, spanning periods from the 12th to 19th centuries. The history of Portugal and the influence of Portugal's colonial explorations is recorded for eternity on canvass, pottery, glass, print and stone.