It’s impossible to visit Lisbon without noticing its famous hand painted tiles. This decorative element makes it possible to colour the city, creating iconic facades and becoming part of the monumental heritage of the Portuguese capital. Discover the mandatory places to visit to enjoy Lisbons’ tiles.
There are many reasons to visit the capital of Portugal. The city has a fantastic location, amazing views, a significant history and, a relevant heritage, not to talk about the leisure and well-being structures, ideal for a fulfilling stay.
When visiting Lisbon, it is only natural that the vast offer of options will leave you a bit lost as to what itinerary might suit you better. At Luzeiros Suites, one of the activities we recommend is to visit the city’s tiled sites.
Lisbon’s tiles are a traditional Portugues icon which gives some colour to the interior and exterior of several buildings and monuments of the city. Either with more or less vibrant tones, the tiles provide an undeniably interesting story that deserve the attention of its visitors.
Find out all about the tiles and where to visit them around the city.
What do you need to know about Lisbon’s tiles?
Portugal has a long history of importing tiles. This material has been imported from Sevilla since the 15th century. The use of tiles is closely related to the 1755 earthquake that ended up destroying the entire downtown area and making the use of tiles become more frequent. As a result, the Portuguese started producing tiles with patterns influenced by historical scenarios that, little by little, deviated from the previous Hispanic- Moorish tiles.
This form of facade ornamentation allowed the streets of Lisbon to come up with its own visual identity, with a unique and artistic place in the world.
Despite what you may think, the tile remains a very alive tradition. Several modern artists direct their talent towards the creation of 21st century tiles.
Where you can see Lisbon’s tiles
If you feel called to get to know this art, know that in the city of Lisbon there are many places of mandatory passage to visit them. We highlight some of them:
1. Museu Nacional do Azulejo
In Beato you will find this museum, which is located inside the Madre Deus Convent. It is the best place to learn about the history of tiles and to see ornaments of this type dating from the 15th century.
2. Casa no Campo de Santa Clara
It is a building on the public road, close to the Panteão Nacional, but worth visiting. Romanticism comes to us through blue, white and yellow tiles. And with it we are transported to the 19th century.
3. Palácio da Quinta de São Sebastião
In Lumiar, this palace brings with it the iconic traces of Lisbon’s tiles, in an ancient and luxurious private property whose facade attracts the attention of passersby.
4. Palácio Nacional de Queluz
In this palace was born an eighteenth-century line of tiles that depicts events of mythology, a bit of the Portuguese internationality and also of the Earth cycles. A place that the lovers of Lisbon’s tiles cannot miss!
5. Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora
The tile panel of this monastery is well known for the way it tells the conquest of the city by D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. In addition to this mural, other tiles, in the Baroque style, will also be waiting for you if you want to see beautiful exemplaries.