Lisbon, Portugal is known for decorative ceramic tiles. On houses and apartment buildings, shops and restaurants, and churches and theaters; they are everywhere creating a unique atmosphere.
It is fun to walk through the city and see the grand murals and individual geometric masterpieces. The National Tile Museum is the perfect attraction to learn more about this art form. The museum chronicles five centuries of production.
I had the opportunity to tour the museum while on a Viking River Cruise optional excursion.
The museum was created to preserve and present the history and culture of decorative tiles spanning five centuries. Azulejo (Portuguese pronunciation: ah-zoo-le-zhoo) or painted ceramic tiles arrived in Portugal during the 15th century by way of the Moors who ruled this area. The word is derived from Arabic meaning “polished stone.”
The museum’s collection features beautiful tiles from as early as the 15th century. The highlight of the museum is a blue and white composition of 1300 tiles, 75 feet long, of Lisbon's cityscape made in 1738. It is said to be the country's longest tile piece.
If you have a chance to visit this museum, by all means take advantage of the opportunity. It chronicles the county’s history as well as the art form.
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