Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian has one of the finest and most valuable collections of art in Europe. There are over 6,000 individual pieces displayed here, exhibits that span over 4,000 years, from Antiquity to the 19th century. Incredibly, they all used to belong to one man, Armenian oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian. On his death in 1955 the multi-millionaire bequeathed his entire estate to the nation. A foundation was established in his name, and a museum inaugurated in 1960 to house the vast inventory of priceless artefacts. Allow a good two hours to marvel over items like the astonishing collection of Roman medallions found in Egypt, the set of exquisite 16th-century illustrated manuscripts from Armenia, silverware crafted by Thomas Germain and Turner's dramatic painting, The Wreck of a Transport Ship. And Lalique's Art Noveau jewellery is simply beguiling.