Casa dos Bicos (House of the Beaks) is a true treasure in the neighborhood of Alfama, very close to the Tejo riverside. This early 16th century building has an unique façade, all covered by spikes, with influences from the Italian Renaissance and the Portuguese Manueline style. It was one of the few constructions in Lisbon to "survive" the 1755 earthquake.

The most fascinating aspects of Casa dos Bicos cannot be seen from outside: It preserves fish salting tanks from the Roman Empire (1st century) as well as remains from Moorish period, in the Middle Ages.

Today, Casa dos Bicos serves as the headquarters of the José Saramago Foundation and the entry is free.