Tiled Buildings, Lisbon

When wandering the hilly streets of Lisbon, you can’t help but see many buildings covered head-to-toe in shiny tiles.  You’ll find them on almost every block — on homes, apartment blocks, restaurants, shops and churches.

These tiles are known as Azulejos and they’re an important feature of Portuguese architecture.  Azulejos are of Moorish (and Persian) influence and were first imported to Portugal from Seville about 500 years ago.  They come in a variety of colors and patterns.

The rebuilding of Lisbon following the massive damaging earthquake in 1755 saw a boom in azulejos tiled buildings.  I am rather fond of their effect, especially when combined with wrought iron.