Casa dos Bicos, Lisbon

This Renaissance palace gets its name from the peculiar façade, made up of numerous, 'peaks', which resemble pyramids set into the rock. It was constructed in 1523 as a home for the then Senator, Brás de Albuquerque in the style of an Italian palace. The building, however, was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. After a series of renovations, it is the marble staircase which stands out, as it contrasts with the black walls. The lower ground floor is occasionally used to house exhibitions.