The iconic design of the famous Casa do Bico features so-called “diamond stones,” pyramid-shaped spikes that stand out horizontally from the front wall of the building. Besides giving off an incredibly unique feel, it is also architecturally very relevant.

This idea was first introduced in the Renaissance era, created in the 1500s. It also has aspects of the widely popular Manueline architecture style. This original facade, however, was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake in Lisbon.

After being in ruin for centuries, in 1980 it was revived. Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, Raul Lino, José Daniel Santa-Rita Fernandes and Manuel Vicente created the design we see today.

Even the interior is a spectacle, and quite different than one would assume from the outside.

Perhaps most interestingly, about the interior, during the reconstruction, it was discovered that various Roman and Islamic ruins were hidden beneath the Floor. Showcasing the age of Lisbon and creating a marvelous effect today to view the ancient within the modern.

Is Casa do Bico the most iconic facade of Lisbon?