MUSEU BERARDO ESTREMOZ / ESTREMOZ / PORTUGAL
Perhaps more than anything, Portugal is synonymous with tiles, in particular those with patterns of white and blue.
The Museu Berardo Estremoz, which is a joint collaboration between Berardo Collection and the Municipality of Estremoz, is not only the largest, but also the most important, private collection of tiles in Portugal.
The collection includes in situ tile sets, such as the Bacalhôa Palace and Estate and the Tocha Palace (in which the museum is housed), as well as more than 4,500 examples dating from the 13th to the 21st century.
The Tocha Palace includes magnificent late-Baroque and Renaissance tile sets.
In one of the first rooms on the bottom floor, there are several remarkable sets of Spanish tiles, demonstrating the development of the cuerda seca, arista and majolica techniques.
In this section, the tiled ceiling also demonstrates the cultural importance of patterns and the use of ceramic tiles in Spanish interiors throughout the centuries.
One of the most significant points of interest at the museum is the majestic staircase.
On the first floor, facing the staircase, is the finest room of the museum.
Historically, it has been called the “Sala das Batalhas” (Room of the battles) and includes several depictions of Portuguese battle victories.
Up until the end of the first half of the 18th century, almost all tile motifs were religious.
Later, the motifs would become more varied and include profane matters, sometimes even satirical subjects.
In the final decade of the 17th century, the Portuguese tiles turned towards the blue colour tones that it today is so well-known for.
The museum has several tile-sets from this period on display.
Beginning in the early 18th century, the painters ceased being viewed as anonymous craftsmen and became to be lauded as talented artists.
This was the beginning of the Portuguese golden era of tiles – the Time of the Masters.
The major change in Portuguese aesthetic preferences coincides with the international trend of Rococo, with many prominent examples in the collection.
The museum also has examples of newer styles, such as the Revivalist and Nationalist expressions of the 19th and 29th centuries.
Lgo Dragões de Olivença 100
Estremoz
Portugal
