What we’re loving this month…

The famed Portuguese tiles, azulejo!

The word itself is derived from the Arabic word, al zulaycha, meaning “small polished stones. Azulejos are a unique type of tile deeply intertwined with Portuguese culture. You can find them everywhere, from shops to private homes, palaces, churches, train stations, and countless other places.

These are just a few of the designs we found on our recent trip to Portugal.

The first examples of azulejos in Portugal date back to the late 15th-century when they were used to cover the walls of palaces and churches. Around 70 years later, in 1560, pottery workshops began to emerge in Lisbon. It’s no wonder why these tiles have become an iconic hallmark of Portugal’s design and architecture.

Even today, you can find modern adaptations of azulejo tiles everywhere.

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