Field Trips in Portugal

- January 10, 2022

Tiles, Tiles, and More Tiles: Lisbon’s Azulejo Magic

Tiles, tiles, and more tiles. I love it.

Lisbon has completely captured me, especially the stunning 15th to 17th century homes decorated with tile facades. Everywhere you turn, there’s another building covered in intricate patterns and bold colors, like the city is wrapped in art.

One of my favorite moments was seeing an authentic elderly woman sitting outside, watching traffic pass by as if she had been there for decades, quietly witnessing the world move along. Something about it felt so timeless, like Lisbon itself.

Behind the Scenes at a Tile Shop

I spent some time at a local tile shop, watching the process unfold. Portuguese tiles are everywhere here, and they’re not just decorative, they’re woven into the architecture and history of the city. You’ll find them on palaces, churches, buildings, and homes, each one telling a story in its own way.

These tin-glazed painted ceramic tiles are known as azulejos, and they are one of Portugal’s most iconic artistic traditions.

One fascinating fact I learned is that the Mariscal of St. Roque, located inside the Church of São Roque in Lisbon, is considered the first dated Portuguese azulejo composition, dating back to 1584.

Standing in the shop, watching the work being done, made me appreciate even more how much craftsmanship and patience goes into something that most of us admire from the sidewalk.

Kiln, Craftsmanship, and Everyday Lisbon Life

The workshop area was especially fascinating, the kiln, the tools, the quiet rhythm of the process. It wasn’t flashy. It was real craftsmanship in motion.

After that, I wandered through a farmers market, soaking in the energy of everyday Lisbon, fresh produce, local conversation, and that familiar sense of travel joy when you realize you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.