History

The Portuguese t tiles have always been used in Portugal in a very original way , we can see them even though in other countries such as Italy, Spain, Turkey or Morocco, in no country have they become such a relevant form of artistic expression, as they have done in Portugal being parte of the Portuguese culture. Used to decorate interiors or even whole facades of houses and churches they have had a poetic intervention in the architectural form of Lisbon (and other Portuguese cities).

With a lot of influences, from the Islamic tradition, to the influences from the Dutch market that had a wide demand for the portugueses tiles, having changed even the way they were painted, the symbolism and there characteristics.

Tile Museum

This lovely museum has two charming characteristics, one is the outstanding collection of azulejos , inside and another is the stunning building , the old Madre de Deus Convent, founded in 1509 by Rainha D. Leonor, holds an exquisite Church inside, with the walls filled with tiles and painted with gold.

This collection shows tiles made since the XVth Century, during the archaic period, until the XXIst century, showing how this form of art has adapted to modern times from the ancient pieces in a permanent exhibition, you can also visit the work of contemporary factories or individual artists that are shown during the temporary exhibitions.

Tiles in Lisbon

The tiles in Lisbon are present in many corners of the city, as in the belvederes, in the subway stations, in the facades of the churches, or in the walls of important buildings.

In the neighborhood of Alfama, the tiles show images of saints, often placed at the entrance of the houses as a way of protecting them. In the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora the tiles describe the conquest of Lisbon, with the Christians climbing the wall built by the Muslims.

Describing this battle of 1147 and seeing some weapons of war as well as the bodies. In Bairro Alto or in the Chiado area, some of the façades of the houses are covered with this Portuguese art, always telling a story, letting yourself be carried along the streets and study the symbols, forms and materials represented.

Without forgetting the Church of São Roque or in the Ferreira das Tabuletas house.