Today I start my first series of shots from our Portugal holiday during Easter time. Day one was touring Lisbon by coach, stopping at some important sites and accompanied by a local guide.
These are some shots of the azulejo tile decorations I observed as we drove round the city. Together they make a colourful spectacle.
This origin of the azolejos shows the unmistakable Arab influences in many tiles and the craft is still in use in the Arab world. The Spanish city of Seville became the major centre of the Hispano-Moresque tile industry. The old techniques were developed in Seville in the 15th century and were introduced into Portugal by king Manuel I after a visit to Seville in 1503. The Portuguese adopted the Moorish tradition of horror vacui ('fear of empty spaces') and covered the walls completely with azulejos.
Many thanks for your views, comments, and FAV’s. They are very much appreciated.
Love the collage , So colourful with delightful tile patterns I had never heard of azolejo tiles - thank you for including the information and history of these !
Looks a fantastic place to visit.