(Azulejo - from the arabian al Zulaicj, that later became aljulej - small flat and polished stone).

The use of ceramic tiles in Portuguese architecture dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, after the moorish presence and influence on the Iberian Peninsula.

An «important characteristic of the repetition patterns is the way in which the compositions are organized, always showing (with more or less subtlety) diagonals opposing to vertical and horizontal lines, main elements in architecture.»
Rafael Salinas Calado, 5 Séculos do Azulejo em Portugal - 5 Centuries of the Tile in Portugal, 1985.

«The tile is essencially an element that brightens the surface, reflecting light, heat and sound. [...]
It cannot - mostly - be appreciated peace by peace, because it is conceived to be seen as a whole definitely integrated in the architecture [...].»
(idem, ibidem).

NOTE: This post should have a link to the Azulejo National Museum web site, which is at the moment being renewed and therefore unavailable.

[Originally posted on Mar 1st, 2008]

Category: THE HERITAGE