Written by Brittany Kleinman: Creating a landscape of time, the ceramic tiles that adorn the walls of Lisbon tell the tale of the city and of Portugal. Better known as ‘Azulejos,’ these tiles, born among the Persians and raised by the Moors, matured with the Portuguese and have been laid to rest on their walls. Like Portugal, their tiles modernized and evolved. A patchwork that once stood perfectly ordered has become a fabric for Modern culture and the canvas for street artists. Today Azulejos are an icon of Lisbon, incorporated into commercial buildings and even used for advertising.

As a traveler the tiles provide appreciation for the city and encourage you to slow down as passing by the beautifully painted buildings. One could visit the Tile Museum or take guided walks, but we highly recommend exploring at your own pace. From the Alfama region to Bairro Alto, you can witness how time has worn away their corners and diffused the vibrant geometric patterns. But in return layers of paint, paper and stickers create a beautifully complex new landscape of modern day Portugal.

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