Azulejos is painted tin-glazed ceramic tilework widespread in Portugal and Spain. In Portugal, you will find them outdoors and indoors on walls in private and public buildings. The variety of azulejos reaches from simple reproduced white-blue tiles to big detailed pictures that are indeed real pieces of art. Similar kind of tile work has been traditionally produced in some other European countries (like Italy and the Netherlands). This kind of tile work in Europe origins from Moorish culture and first it was applied to the Iberian peninsula.

On the picture, azulejos on the facade of the Vera Cruz Church in Aveiro, Portugal (see map). A real masterpiece is, however, the scenes from the Portuguese history decorating the walls of the Sao Bento railway station in Porto (>>>).

Azulejos is painted tin-glazed ceramic tilework widespread in Portugal and Spain. The term “azulejo” is derived from the Arabic word “zellige”. In Portugal, azulejos have a rich tradition dating back to the 15th century. You will find them outdoors and indoors on walls in private and public buildings. (For somebody, who is used to tiles only as decoration in bathrooms or on floors as in many other European countries, it is a bit unusual). The variety of azulejos reaches from simple reproduced white-blue tiles to big detailed pictures that are indeed real pieces of art (like those at Sao Bento station). Similar kind of tile work has been traditionally produced in some other European countries (like Italy and the Netherlands). As this kind of tile work origins from Moorish culture, it was indeed first applied to the Iberian peninsula.

The production of azulejos involves a series of intricate and skilled processes. While modern techniques have evolved, many artisans still adhere to traditional methods decorative tiles. The process begins with the preparation of a clay body. The type of clay used can impact the color and texture of the finished tile. The clay is mixed, refined, and molded into the desired tile shape. The molded clay tiles are left to dry thoroughly. This phase is crucial to avoid warping during the firing process. The dried tiles undergo the first firing, known as the biscuit firing. This firing process hardens the clay and prepares it for the glazing stage. The tiles are coated with a tin glaze, which provides a smooth, white surface for painting. The glaze also enhances the vibrancy of the colors during the painting process. Artisans hand-paint intricate designs onto the glazed surface using mineral-based pigments. After painting, the tiles undergo a second firing. This firing process, known as glost firing, seals the pigments into the glaze, creating a durable and long-lasting finish. For larger murals or decorative compositions, individual tiles are assembled to create the final design. This may involve careful planning and precise placement to ensure a cohesive and visually appealing result. In some cases, a final firing may be necessary to set the assembled tiles and create a seamless surface.

If you want to know more about azulejos and during your Portugal journey stay in Lisbon, just go to the National Tile Museum (>>>). It is located in the former Convent of Madre Deus (convents were banished from Portugal some time ago, so it is a state museum). Even if you are not an art fan, following the visiting route, you will see how the art of azulejos and its technique developed with time.