Tile History in Portugal |

Portuguese tiles have a rich and storied past that dates back centuries. 

The concept of tiles comes from ancient Egypt, but it was during the 8th and 9th century (with the Arab invasion and its influence in the Iberian peninsula) that tiles first arrived in what is now known as Portugal. Hence, the Arab culture played a pivotal role in influencing Portugal's artistic heritage (its language, architecture, and culinary traditions) and tiles quickly became a feature of the country's architectural landscape.

Being knowledgeable about some tiles techniques already in place at the time (namely the ones in practice in Southern Spain and Italy, notwithstanding other approaches put together in other places, such as the Netherlands) it was during the reign of King D. Manuel (1425 - 1521) that Portuguese tiles truly flourished. After visiting Spain and witnessing the beauty of some of the Muslim inspired tiles in Granada and Seville (so recently conquered by the Spanish Catholic Kings, in 1492), the Portuguese monarch was captivated by their radiance. Upon returning to Portugal, he ordered the walls of the National Palace of Sintra to be filled with these tiles, which then sparked a nationwide fascination with their vibrant designs. 

Influenced by Moorish culture, these early tiles featured geometric patterns in a limited palette of colours, since the muslim tradition did not allow for any s depictions of the Prophet. However, In Portugal and as the technique evolved, more colours and complex designs, including narrative scenes about historical events or religious stories began to be incorporated by Portuguese tile artistry.

In the 17th century, azulejos transitioned from an interior art form to an exterior one. Across Portugal, buildings started to be adorned with these tiles, not just for their aesthetic appeal, but also because they allowed practical benefits. Azulejos helped regulate the temperature inside the buildings and were fire-resistant.

Despite a period of decline in the 20th century, the art of azulejos has seen a resurgence in recent years, with contemporary artists such as Paula Rego, Vieria da Silva, Júlio Pomar and designers and architects such as Siza Vieira and others, finding new languages and ways to interpret this traditional craft.

Portuguese tiles are known as "Azulejos". The term "azulejo" comes from the Arabic word "az-zulayj", which means "polished stone". This reflects the Moorish influence on the art and craft of tile making in Portugal (from the web).