Portugal's Blue Art 'Azulejo'

Portugal is a favorite destination for art and architecture enthusiasts. With its Mediterranean climate, historical heritage, natural treasures, and unique culture; it is an ideal destination for those seeking to add an artistic touch to their travel plans. In addition to Portugal's cultural richness, travelers are also captivated by its vibrant, deep blue tiles, known as 'Azulejo'. This eye-catching traditional ceramic art is unique to Portugal, adorning walls, floors, and ceilings and serving as a source of inspiration.

However, Azulejo is not merely a decorative element; it is also considered a cultural heritage that reflects the collective memory of Portugal. In this article, we take a closer look at this impressive Portuguese art form.

Origin and Etymology of 'Azulejo'

Azulejo, a traditional ceramic art form, has served as a bridge between eastern and western cultures for centuries. The word 'Azulejo' comes from the Arabic word 'Zellij', which means 'polished stone', and is frequently used in the architecture of historical buildings in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Andalusia. In Islamic architecture, it was quite common to cover surfaces with ceramic-mosaic panels created by cutting geometric forms glazed in a single color. Early tile examples in 13th-century Europe, which had only recently become acquainted with Azulejo, also consisted of arrangements dominated by geometric patterns.

Over time, the use of azulejo became more widespread, and compositions became unique with the addition of local and cultural elements. Scenes were enriched with the representation of human and animal figures, floral ornaments, historical and biblical depictions, resulting in its present-day Portuguese form. Azulejo panels, which have compositions on different subjects from the past to the present, can be seen in many places in Portugal today, from train stations to the interior and exterior surfaces of historical buildings.

Although the most commonly used colors are blue, yellow, green, and white; by the 18th century, azulejo tile art, which was influenced by porcelain from China, began to be produced only in blue and white colors. The widespread use of blue created a misconception that the origin of the word was derived from the Spanish word 'azul', which means blue.

The art, which started to lose its popularity in the early twentieth century, has regained its former prestige since the 2000s, contributing to the promotion of Portugal to the world as an important actor of cultural tourism.

Azulejo as a Cultural Element

Azulejo has been used to depict important events in Portuguese history. For example, the Bussaco Palace, built between 1888 and 1907 in Neo-Manueline style by Italian architect Luigi Manini, has skillfully painted panels on its interior walls depicting scenes from the Battle of Bussaco by artist Jorge Colaço.

Sao Bento train station has azulejo panels on its walls depicting the Battle of Valdevez, which was crucial for Portugal's independence. This application of azulejo reinforces national consciousness and have become a successful example of its kind, attracting a lot of tourist attention.

The Royal Basilica in Castro Verde, built in the 16th century to commemorate the Battle of Ourique, is an important monumental building. Its interior walls are covered with 18th-century azulejo panels, including those depicting the Battle of Ourique, which King Afonso Henriques won against five Moorish kings. The basilica also houses a museum and the royal treasury.

The Azulejo panels depicting the Battle of Aljubarrota, which led to the recognition of Portuguese independence by the Kingdom of Castile, are housed in the Carlos Lopes Pavilion. This pavilion was designed in 1921 for the international Rio de Janeiro Exhibition and produced in 1922 by artist Jorge Colaço. The work clearly shows the knight's shield with the words "For my lady". Such examples of Azulejos, which convey historical events in detail, have successfully immortalized victories and have survived to the present day.

Azulejo and Religious Depictions

Azulejo tiles are not limited to depicting historical events. Thematic scenes from the Bible are frequently included, especially on the interior and exterior walls of churches.

For example, the panels covering the façade of the Igreja do Carmo Church in Porto depict the founding of the Order of the Carmelites, a Christian sect of the Catholic Church, and scenes from Mount Carmel. The church was built in the rococo style in the second half of the 18th century, and the panels decorating the building were produced in 1912 and added to the south facade. The composition was designed by Silvestre Silvestri and painted by Carlos Branco.

The panels on the façade of the Church of St. Ildefonso, also near Batalha Square in Porto, depict scenes from the life of St. Ildefonso, figurative images from the Bible, and the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The façade of this early Baroque church, built in the 18th century, features around 11,000 azulejo tiles designed by artist Jorge Colaço.

Function Follows Aesthetics

At first glance, Azulejo tiles may seem like purely decorative elements with an aesthetic and storytelling purpose, but they also serve a functional role. These artistic tiles, which sometimes encase buildings like a sheath, also act as an insulating element. They create an artistic shield that protects the buildings from seasonal changes. However, it's important to consider that adding decorative or structural elements to the façade puts a load on the structure.

The National Azulejo Museum

The National Azulejo Museum (also known as the National Tile Museum) in Lisbon boasts a unique collection, which includes a tile panel depicting a panoramic view of Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake. The building itself is notable not only for the artifacts it houses, but also for its monumental value. The former Madre de Deus Convent, founded in 1509 by Queen Leonor (1458-1525), is considered one of the most important museums in Portugal. In addition to showcasing artifacts that promote Portuguese culture, the museum also displays azulejo samples from other regions. The interiors are decorated in Baroque style, featuring rich craftsmanship in blue and white tiles, gilded wood carvings, and masterful oil paintings that offer visitors a truly immersive and emotionally satisfying artistic experience.

Metro Stations as Underground Gallery

If your trip to Lisbon falls on a rainy day, don't worry. You can buy a subway ticket and take a small art tour in the subway network, which has become the city's underground gallery. Lisbon's subway stations have turned into unique underground art galleries where azulejo panels are exhibited. In addition to the blue and white tiles we are used to seeing in historical buildings, you can also see colorful tile works in the metro stations. This underground tradition has been around for about 70 years. In 1957, artist Maria Keil started using azulejo tiles to decorate the city's underground train stations, bringing a whole new dimension to Lisbon's underground art. Today, many artists have the opportunity to exhibit their works in their own style in the subway stations.

Maria Keil was a Portuguese painter, illustrator, and ceramic artist born in Silves in 1914. She studied painting and drawing at the Lisbon School of Fine Arts and is known as a versatile artist characterized by her artistic practice, diversity of techniques, and means of expression. Painting, drawing, illustration, graphic design, engraving, tiles, tapestries, furniture, decoration, stage, and costume design are some of the artistic disciplines associated with the artist. From 1957 to 1972, Keil designed the panels for almost all the first stations (except Avenida) in his extensive work for the Lisbon Metro. Among the artworks in the stations, you can also see works by artists such as Rogério Ribeiro, Manuel Cargaleiro, and Eduardo Nery.

A Portuguese Tale

As you walk through the streets of Portugal, the blue-and-white tiles that adorn the city can suddenly brighten your day, even if you're feeling down. Whether it's the subway station on your way to a square, the ornate Baroque facade of a building that catches your eye as you turn a corner, or a bench where you rest your feet, the happiness that these special tiles evoke is undeniable. This sophisticated art, with its rare originality, can alone make a city feel unique. We invite you to take a fairytale-like trip to Portugal, where you can get lost in the stories told by the Azulejos...